Metals and Non-metals Summary

Periodic Table Distribution

  • The majority of elements are metals, which are located on the left side of the periodic table.
  • Non-metals are located on the right side of the periodic table.

Ion Formation and Electron Transfer

  • Positive ions are formed by metals when they lose electrons from their outer shells to join another atom.
  • Negative ions are formed by non-metals when they gain electrons to fill empty spaces in their outer shells.
  • This process of gaining or losing electrons is known as electron transfer.

Reaction Example

  • Magnesium+Oxygen→magnesium oxideMagnesium + Oxygen \rightarrow \text{magnesium oxide}