Question

When a metal atom combines with a non-metal atom, the non-metal atom will

• A. lose electrons and decrease in size
• B. lose electrons and increase in size
• C. gain electrons and decrease in size
• D. gain electrons and increase in size

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

(i) Metals have excess of electrons and non-metals have lack of electrons,

(ii) Metals and non-metals combine to complete their octet.

Since, non-metals have lack of electrons, in order to complete their octet, they gain electrons, consequently, the size of non-metal atom will increase.

$\underset{(Na^+)}{\text{Metal}} + \underset{Cl^-}{\text{Non - metal}} \longrightarrow \underset{NaCl}{\text{Electrovalent bond}} $