Question detail

What happens to a metal atom when it reacts with a non-metal atom?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic

Question

A. It gains electrons from the non-metal atom.
B. It loses outer-shell electrons.
C. It shares electrons with the non-metal atom.
D. It forms a covalent bond.

Answer

The correct option is It loses outer-shell electrons.. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to explain why the charge on a simple ion is linked to electron loss or electron gain in the subtopic Ionic bonding.

Explanation

The correct option is It loses outer-shell electrons.. It loses outer-shell electrons. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain why the charge on a simple ion is linked to electron loss or electron gain. This belongs to the subtopic Ionic bonding within Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Ionic bonding.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Ion Charges

Students often confuse the charge of a simple ion with the number of electrons lost or gained, thinking that the charge is simply the number of electrons involved.

Emphasize that the charge on a simple ion is determined by the loss of electrons for positive ions and the gain of electrons for negative ions, and that it reflects the difference between protons and electrons.

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