Question

Which response includes all of the followingthat are properties of most nonmetals, and no other properties?

A. Outer electronic shells have four or more electrons.
B. They tend to form positive ions.
C. They are more likely to lose electrons than are metals.
D. They have high electronegativities.

Answer 1

Nonmetals typically have four or more electrons in their outer shells and high electronegativities, and are more likely to gain electrons to form anions, not positive ions as metals do.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the properties of most nonmetals, the correct response includes these properties:

• Outer electronic shells of nonmetals have four or more electrons, which supports diverse chemical reactivity and the ability to form covalent bonds.
• Nonmetals have high electronegativities, indicating their tendency to attract electrons and form anions (negatively charged ions) rather than cations.

Therefore, options A and D correctly describe properties of nonmetals. However, options B and C are incorrect for nonmetals:

• Nonmetals tend to form negative ions (anions) by accepting electrons, rather than positive ions (cations).
• Nonmetals are more likely to gain electrons in chemical reactions, which is opposite to metals that typically lose electrons to become cations.