When a metal reacts with a nonmetal, what typically happens to the metal's electrons?

• A. The metal loses electrons and forms a cation.
• B. The metal shares electrons equally with the nonmetal.
• C. The metal does not change its electron configuration.
• D. The metal gains electrons and forms an anion.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when a metal reacts with a nonmetal, the reaction typically involves the transfer of electrons rather than sharing them equally, which is more common in covalent bonding between nonmetals.
2. Recall that metals tend to have low ionization energies, meaning they can lose electrons relatively easily to achieve a more stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
3. Recognize that when a metal loses electrons, it forms a positively charged ion called a cation. This is because losing negatively charged electrons leaves the metal atom with a net positive charge.
4. Understand that the nonmetal, which has a higher electronegativity, tends to gain the electrons lost by the metal, forming a negatively charged ion called an anion.
5. Conclude that the typical outcome of a metal reacting with a nonmetal is the metal losing electrons and forming a cation, while the nonmetal gains those electrons and forms an anion, resulting in an ionic bond.