Question

Compare the properties of a typical metal and a non-metal on the basis of the following:
(a) electronic configuration.
(b) nature of the oxides.
(c) oxidising or reducing action.
(d) conductivity of heat and electricity.

Answer 1

Metals and non-metals can be compared as follows:

Properties	Metals	Non-metals
(a) Electronic configuration	Metals generally contain 1, 2 or 3 electrons in the outermost shell and they ionise by losing electrons.	Non-metals generally contain 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in the outermost shell and they ionise by gaining electrons.
(b) Nature of the oxides	Metals react with oxygen and form basic oxides $({\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O},\mathrm{MgO},\mathrm{CaO},\mathrm{CuO})$. But some metals like Al, Zn, etc., form amphoteric oxides too.	Non-metals react with oxygen and form acidic oxides like ${\mathrm{CO}}_2,{\mathrm{SO}}_3,{\mathrm{NO}}_2,{\mathrm{P}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_5$, etc. But some of them form neutral oxides like NO, CO, ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$, etc.
(c) Oxidising or reducing action	As metals easily lose electrons, they get oxidised and are good reducing agents.	As non-metals easily gain electrons, they get reduced and are good oxidising agents.
(d) Conductivity of heat and electricity	Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Silver is the best conductor of heat.	Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, except graphite (allotrope of carbon), which is a good conductor of electricity.