When metals and non-metals other than oxygen react, what is formed?

When metals and non-metals (excluding oxygen) react, they usually form a specific type of chemical compound. Let’s analyze each option to determine the correct answer.

Option A: A covalent compound

Covalent compounds are typically formed when two non-metals react. In this type of bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration. Since metals have a tendency to lose electrons and non-metals tend to gain electrons, this type of bonding is not common between metals and non-metals. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option B: An ionic compound

This is the correct answer. When a metal reacts with a non-metal, the metal loses electrons to form a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal gains electrons to form a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic force of attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of an ionic compound. For example, when sodium (Na), a metal, reacts with chlorine (Cl), a non-metal, sodium chloride (NaCl), an ionic compound, is formed.

Option C: Oxygen

This option is clearly incorrect because the question already excludes oxygen from the reaction. Also, oxygen is an element, not a product typically formed when metals and non-metals react. Thus, it has no relevance in this context.

Option D: An ion

While it’s true that ions are involved in the formation of compounds between metals and non-metals, ions alone are not the final product. The question asks what is formed as a result of the reaction — and that would be a compound, not merely the individual ions. Hence, this answer is incomplete and incorrect.

The correct answer is: B. An ionic compound.

This is because metals and non-metals undergo electron transfer during a reaction, forming oppositely charged ions that bond together to produce a stable ionic compound. This type of bonding results in substances with high melting and boiling points, strong crystalline structures, and good conductivity in molten or aqueous states.

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