While H2 is not very reactive under standard conditions, it does form compounds with most elements. Hydrogen can form compounds with elements that are more electro<answer>negative</answer>, such as halogens (e.g., F, Cl, Br, I), or oxygen; in these compounds hydrogen takes on a partial positive charge. When bonded to fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen, hydrogen can participate in a form of medium-strength noncovalent bonding with other similar molecules between their hydrogens called hydrogen bonding, which is critical to the stability of many biological molecules. Hydrogen also forms compounds with less electro<answer>negative</answer> elements, such as the metals and metalloids, in which it takes on a partial <answer>negative</answer> charge. These compounds are often known as hydrides.
What type of charge does hydrogen take when combined with a metal?
negative