Question

which of the following statements about non - metals is correct?
a) non - metals tend to have high ionization energy and high electronegativity.
b) non - metals tend to have low ionization energy and high electronegativity.
c) non - metals tend to have low ionization energy and low electronegativity.
d) non - metals tend to have high ionization energy and low electronegativity.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about non - metals, we analyze the properties of non - metals:

1. Ionization Energy: Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. Non - metals have a strong tendency to gain electrons rather than lose them. So, a large amount of energy is needed to remove an electron from a non - metal atom, which means non - metals tend to have high ionization energy.
2. Electronegativity: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself. Non - metals, as they tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, have a high ability to attract electrons. So, non - metals tend to have high electronegativity.

Now let's analyze each option:

• Option A: States that non - metals tend to have high ionization energy and high electronegativity. This matches our analysis of non - metal properties.
• Option B: Says non - metals have low ionization energy. But we know non - metals need a lot of energy to lose electrons, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: Claims non - metals have low ionization energy and low electronegativity. Both of these are contrary to the properties of non - metals, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: States non - metals have low electronegativity. But non - metals are good at attracting electrons, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

A) Non - metals tend to have high ionization energy and high electronegativity.