Question

What type of element will tend to gain electrons in satisfying the octet rule?

Answer 1

Non-metals tend to acquire additional electrons to reach a complete octet.

Explanation:

A non-metal will tend to gain electrons in reactions which other substances. They will do so in either of two ways:

One way is by electron transfer when they react with a metal. The result is an ionic bond between a positive metal cation and a negative non-metal anion.

The other way is to share electrons through a covalent bond. This generally happens between two non-metals, and represents a way in which both atoms can gain (at least partially) additional electrons.