Question

Non-metal generally form:
A) cations
B) anions
C) anions and cations
D) do not form ions

Answer 1

Hint:To solve this question, we must first understand some basic concepts about Non-Metals. Then we need to assess their properties in such a way that we may conclude what kind of ions they form if they have a tendency to form ions and then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of this given question, let us first understand some basic concepts:
A Non-metal is a chemical element that mostly lacks the characteristics of a metal. Physically, a nonmetal tends to have a relatively low melting point, boiling point, and density. A nonmetal is typically brittle when solid and usually has poor thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.
Step 1: Chemically, nonmetals tend to have relatively high ionization energy, electron affinity, and electronegativity. They gain or share electrons when they react with other elements and chemical compounds.
Step 2: Where Metals have a tendency to form cations, non-metals form anions. The reason behind it is that metals lose electrons while nonmetals gain electrons in bonding due to their high electron affinity and tend to form anions.

So, clearly we can conclude that the correct answer is Option B.

Note:The nonmetals are divided into two categories reflecting their relative propensity to form chemical compounds: reactive nonmetals and noble gases. The reactive nonmetals vary in their nonmetallic character. The less electronegative of them, such as carbon and sulfur, mostly have weak to moderately strong nonmetallic properties and tend to form covalent compounds with metals.