ACS Chemistry Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Nonmetals are the type of elements most likely to gain electrons due to their high electronegativity and ionization energies. Nonmetals are found on the right side of the periodic table, and they have a tendency to achieve a stable electronic configuration similar to that of noble gases, typically by gaining electrons to fill their valence shell. This behavior is driven by the desire to reach a complete octet, which provides greater stability.

For instance, elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and chlorine readily gain electrons during chemical reactions, forming anions (negatively charged ions). This characteristic is essential for understanding various chemical bonding processes, such as the formation of ionic compounds.

In contrast, metals tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, transitioning into cations (positively charged ions). Transition metals can exhibit variable oxidation states but are generally more inclined to lose electrons rather than gain them. Noble gases, with their already full valence shells, are largely inert and do not tend to gain or lose electrons. The reactivity and electron gain behavior of these elements highlight the distinction between nonmetals and other types of elements.