Atoms of nonmetals have a tendency to __ or__ electrons when they react.

Answer:Atoms of nonmetals have a tendency to gain or share electrons when they react.

Explanation: Non-metals are elements that gain electron to form negatively charged ions known as anions.

When non-metals react, they either gain/accept electron from a metal atom or share electron with another non-metal atom. When a non-metal accepts an electron from a metal atom, the type of bond formed is called ionic or electrovalent bond. In electrovalent bond, the metal atom transfers its valence electrons to the non-metal atom so that both attain a stable octet or duplet structure.

When a non-metal shares electron with another non-metal atom, the type of bond formed is known as covalent bond. In covalent bond, the two non-metal atoms share a pair of electron, each atom donating one electron to form a pair.