Western Governors University (WGU) SCIE1020 C165 Integrated Physical Sciences Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Which type of elements are characterized by their tendency to lose electrons?

Nonmetals

Metals

The tendency to lose electrons is a characteristic primarily associated with metals. Metals are found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table. They possess a relatively low electronegativity and ionization energy, which means they can readily lose one or more electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often achieving a full outer shell as they transition to positive ions. This property makes metals conducive to forming cations when they react with nonmetals.

In contrast, nonmetals tend to gain or share electrons to achieve stability, metalloids exhibit mixed properties and behaviors, and noble gases are known for their complete electron configurations, making them generally unreactive and unlikely to lose or gain electrons. Understanding these differences is key to grasping the fundamental behaviors of elements based on their positions in the periodic table.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Metalloids

Noble Gases

Next Question

Report this question

Download Western Governors University (WGU) SCIE1020 C165 Integrated Physical Sciences Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy