Question

is it true non-metals can form cations when combined with metals and anions when combined with other non-metals.

Answer 1

Yes I can't exactly explain it without my books but it is true

Answer 2

Answer: The given statement is true.

Explanation:

An ion is formed when a neutral atom looses or gains electrons.

• When an atom looses electrons, it results in the formation of positive ion known as cation.
• When an atom gains electrons, it results in the formation of negative ion known as anion.

Metals are the elements which have a tendency to loose electrons and thus they form cations. Example: Lithium will loose 1 electron to form $Li^+$ ion.

Non-metals are the elements which have a tendency to gain electrons and thus they form anions. Example: Chlorine will gain 1 electron to form $Cl^-$ ion.

Ionic compound is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from 1 atom to another atom. The cation is formed by the loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.

Hence, the given statement is true.