How do metals and non metals …

(a) Most of the metals do not react with hydrogen. Only a few reactive metals reacts with hydrogen to form metal hybrides. 

     For example: when hydrogen gas is passed over heated sodium, then sodium hybride is formed.

(b) Non metals react with hydrogen to form covalent hybrides. 

     For example sulphur combines with hydrogen to form hydrogen sulphide. 

When a metal reacts with a non-metal few changes takes place with the compound or molecules undergoing in the reaction. Let us see what happens.

Transfer of electrons

When metals react with non-metals, electrons are transferred from the metal atoms to the non-metal atoms, forming ions. The resulting compound is called an ionic compound.

Formation of ions

The metal atoms give electrons to the non-metal atoms. The metal atoms become positive ions and the non-metal atoms become negative ions.

Reactions

Few examples of the reaction between metals and non metals

• Sodium + chlorine → sodium chloride
• Magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide
• Calcium + chlorine → calcium chloride