Question

The reactiveness of nonmetals depends on the atom's ability to ______ electrons.
A. Exchange
B. Lose
C. Maintain
D. Gain

Answer 1

to gain electrons

Answer 2

Thank you =)

Answer 3

Are we sure that's right? Why is gaining electrons to be preferred over losing electrons? Isn't exchanging electrons the key thing?

Answer 4

Thats what my guess was but i selected gain after they told me it was and it was correct,

Answer 5

instead of exchanging if sharing is given then this is also the right world then that too is right answer

Answer 6

Right ... it is an interesting question though: NaCl. Which ion Na+ or Cl- most wants to get together? Or is that a meaningless question, i.e., we need to compare ion pairs and their relative reactivity.

Answer 7

yaaa the question is little clumsy!!!!!

Answer 8

yeah you guys lost me, how is this not confusing? lol

Answer 9

An ATOM is electrically neutral. A non-metal atom has a valence level that needs to gain electrons in order to become stable and look just like a noble gas. Once electrons are gained, the ION is now more stable and "happier" than it was as a neutral atom. If the question asks about the willingness of a nonmetal to either gain or lose electrons, the answer is: gain.

Answer 10

Right. I take it "happier" means the atoms and all of its electrons before it gained the electron are collectively at a lower energy level after gaining the additional electron?

Answer 11

This lecture discusses this somewhat, and talks about the higher stability of ions at the end:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/chemistry/5-111-principles-of-chemical-science-fall-2008/video-lectures/lecture-9/

Answer 12

Correct, a "happy" ion is a stable ion, and therefore lower in energy than when it started as a neutral atom. Whether it has gained or lost electrons to do this will depend on the atom.