Question

Why do non-metals not react with acids?
A.They have a very high melting and boiling point
B.They loses electron readily
C.They are unreactive
D.They gain electron easily

Answer 1

Hint:Non-metals have 5, 6, 7 valence electrons in their valence shell. Valence electrons are those present in the outermost shell.

Complete step by step answer:

In most cases, non-metals do not react with acids, especially weak acids. This is because non-metals have 5, 6, 7 valence electrons in their valence shell. Valence electrons are those present in the outermost shell.
It is the tendency to want to have 8 electrons in their valence shell as this leads to stability. For a metal who has a tendency to have 1, 2, 3 electrons in their valence shell, it is much easier to lose electrons so that they attain stability. Non-metals on the other hand, find it easier to accept electrons to gain stability. So nonmetals tend to be electron acceptors while metals tend to be electron donors.
When substances tend to react with acids they donate electrons to the \[{H^ + }\] ions which will be produced by the acids. As discussed above, since non-metals are not electron donors, but rather acceptors, they will not react with acid. If the acid is dilute, chances of reaction are even less. However, there are certain exceptions that can be seen, such as,
\[{\mathbf{6HN}}{{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}}{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}{\mathbf{S}}{\text{ }} \to {\text{ }}{{\mathbf{H}}_2}{\mathbf{S}}{{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{4}}}\; + {\text{ }}{\mathbf{6N}}{{\mathbf{O}}_2}{\text{ }} + {\text{ }}{\mathbf{2}}{{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}}{\mathbf{O}}\]
Hence, the answer to this question is option C. They gain electrons easily.
$\therefore $ Option C is a correct answer.

Note:
Non metals mostly do not conduct heat and electricity so most of the time they are considered as non-conductive materials. The non-metals are found in the p-block of the periodic table and they easily accept electrons rather than donate the electron. Non-metals have a relatively low melting point as compared to metals.