An element that tends to gain electrons during chemical reactions is likely to be what?

An element that tends to gain electrons during chemical reactions is classified as a nonmetal. Nonmetals are characterized by their high electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons. When nonmetals react, they typically do so by acquiring electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resulting in the formation of negatively charged ions or anions.

In contrast, metals are more inclined to lose electrons during reactions, as they have lower electronegativity and ionization energy. Transition metals and metalloids also have distinct behaviors; transition metals can exhibit a range of oxidation states and show varied tendencies in electron gain or loss depending on the context of the reaction. Metalloids typically possess properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals, leading to varied reactivity.

Overall, the defining characteristic of nonmetals is their propensity to gain electrons to form stable anions, making them distinct and identifying them in chemical interactions.