Question

model 2 - ion charges for selected elements

1. draw a stair - step line in model 2 to separate the metals and nonmetals.
2. consider the ions listed in model 2.

a. in general, do nonmetals form anions or cations?
b. in general, do metals form anions or cations?
c. which nonmetal appears to be an exception to these guidelines?

Explanation:

• For part a: Nonmetals gain electrons to form anions (negatively - charged ions). Looking at the anions (\(N^{3 - },O^{2 - },F^{ - },P^{3 - },S^{2 - },Cl^{ - },Br^{ - },I^{ - }\)) in Model 2, they are formed by non - metals.
• For part b: Metals lose electrons to form cations (positively - charged ions). Looking at the cations (\(H^{+},Li^{+},Na^{+},K^{+},Rb^{+},Mg^{2 + },Ca^{2 + },Sr^{2 + },Ba^{2 + },Fe^{2 + },Fe^{3 + },Ni^{2 + },Cu^{+},Cu^{2 + },Zn^{2 + },Ga^{3 + },Ag^{+},Hg_{2}^{2 + },Hg^{2 + },Sn^{2 + },Sn^{4 + },Pb^{2 + },Pb^{4 + },Al^{3 + }\)) in Model 2, they are formed by metals.
• For part c: Hydrogen (\(H\)) is a non - metal. But in Model 2, it forms a cation (\(H^{+}\)), which is an exception as most non - metals form anions.

Answer:

a. Nonmetals form anions.
b. Metals form cations.
c. Hydrogen (\(H\)).