Final answer:
Nonmetals typically exhibit negative oxidation numbers, with some notable exceptions such as the positive or variable oxidation numbers seen with halogens when combined with oxygen or other halogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonmetals tend to have negative oxidation numbers. For instance, in compounds hydrogen exhibits an oxidation number of +1 when combined with nonmetals, but it will have -1 oxidation status if combined with metals. Oxygen generally has an oxidation number of -2, though there are exceptions such as in peroxides where it's -1, and in superoxides with an unusual - status. Halogens like fluorine always have an oxidation number of -1, with other halogens typically following suit unless bonded with oxygen or other halogens, in which case they can have positive oxidation numbers.
The correct answer to the question is: Nonmetals tend to have negative oxidation numbers. Therefore, the option (a) Negative is the correct choice.