Respuesta :
They generally have 4 - 7 electrons in their outer shell.
Answer: The correct answer is 4-7.
Explanation:
A non-metal is defined as the element which gains electron to attain stable electronic configuration and to attain a negative ion which is anion.
[tex]X+ne^-\rightarrow X^{n-}[/tex]
Non-metals are the elements which belong to Group 14 to Group 17.
The valence electronic configuration of the elements:
- Belonging to Group 14 = [tex]ns^2np^2[/tex]
Number of valence electrons = 4
- Belonging to Group 16= [tex]ns^2np^3[/tex]
Number of valence electrons = 5
- Belonging to Group 16 = [tex]ns^2np^4[/tex]
Number of valence electrons = 6
- Belonging to Group 17 = [tex]ns^2np^5[/tex]
Number of valence electrons = 7
Hence, the correct answer is 4-7.