Question

how do nonmetals tend to form bonds? (1 point)
by losing electrons
by gaining electrons
by gaining protons
by losing protons

Explanation:

Nonmetals have a high electronegativity. They tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration (usually a full outer shell, like the noble - gas configuration). For example, oxygen (\(O\)) has 6 valence electrons and gains 2 electrons to form \(O^{2 -}\). Losing electrons is more characteristic of metals. Protons are in the nucleus, and chemical bonding does not involve the loss or gain of protons (nuclear reactions involve protons, but that's a different context). So nonmetals form bonds by gaining electrons.

Answer:

by gaining electrons