JAMB Chemistry 2023 Paper

Concept:Non-metals are electronegative elements that tend to gain electrons to form negative ions.Explanation:Non-metals usually have 4, 5, 6, or 7 valence electrons.They gain electrons to achieve a stable noble gas configuration.This process forms negatively charged ions called anions.For example, chlorine gains one electron to form $\mathrm{Cl}^-$.Oxygen gains two electrons to form $\mathrm{O}^{2-}$.Non-metals do not generally exist as solids at room temperature; many are gases, and bromine is a liquid.They are poor conductors of heat and electricity, so high thermal conductivity is incorrect.Non-metals readily form anions, not cations, so the statement about forming cations is false.Answer:The correct option is B: Tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions.