Non-metals generally contain ________ electrons in their outermost shell.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB ALP CBT I 29 Aug 2018 Shift 1 Official Paper

Answer 1

The correct answer is 5,6,7 or 8.

CONCEPT:

The outermost shell of an electron can accommodate a maximum of 8 electrons.
Elements having filled outermost shell are stable. So all elements tend to attain a stable state by completing its octet.
Elements attain this stable form by losing or gaining electrons.

EXPLANATION:

The effective nuclear charge experienced by the outer shell electrons in non-metals is very high.
So they can accept electrons instead of losing electrons.
Electonic configurations of some non-metals:

Additional Information

Chemical properties of non - metals

Electronic configuration: Most of the non - metals have 4 to 7 electrons in their valence shells.
Formation of ions: Non - metals tend to accept electrons in their valence shell to form negatively charged ions called anions.
Reaction with oxygen: Non - metals combine with oxygen to form their oxides.