Question

Compare the properties of a typical metal and a non-metal based on the following:

Electronic configuration

Answer 1

• The electronic configuration of metal and non-metal vary in some aspects.
• Metals have $1,2,or3$ electrons in their valence shell and have a tendency to lose these electrons.
• For example, sodium$\left(\mathrm{Na}\right)$ has an atomic number $11$ so its electronic configuration is $2,8,1.$
• Whereas non-metals have $4,5,6,\mathrm{or}7$electrons in their valence shell and have a tendency to gain electrons from other elements.
• For example, nitrogen$\left(\mathrm{N}\right)$ has an atomic number $7$ so its electronic configuration is $2,5$.

Hence, the metals has $1,2,or3$ electrons in the outermost shell while the non-metals have $4,5,6,\mathrm{or}7$ electrons in the outermost shell.