tonic bonding: Which elements loses electrons? Which elements gain electrons?
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In tonic bonding, metals such as sodium and magnesium are notorious for losing electrons. These elements have a tendency to offload their outermost electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, often following the octet rule. By losing electrons, they become positively charged ions, or cations, and pave the way for strong ionic bonds with nonmetals. On the flip side, nonmetals like chlorine and oxygen eagerly take on electrons to fill their outer shells, achieving that coveted stable state. When these nonmetals gain electrons, they form negatively charged ions, known as anions. This transfer of electrons leads to the creation of ionic bonds, resulting in a variety of compounds that have fascinating properties!