Question

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

Oxidizing or reducing action

Answer 1

• Metals have the tendency to lose electrons present in their outer shell thereby forming positive ions.
• Loss of electrons is associated with oxidation and the one which undergoes oxidation is the reducing agent.
• Non-metals have the tendency to accept electrons from other species and form negative ions.
• The gain of electrons is associated with reduction and the one which undergoes reduction is an oxidizing agent.

Hence, metals are good reducing agents while non-metals are good oxidizing agents.