Question

Compare the properties of a typical metal and a non-metal on the following criteria.

(a) Electronic configuration

(b) Nature of oxide

(c) Oxidising or reducing behavior

(d) Conduction of heat and electricity

Answer 1

(a) Electronic configuration

• Metals generally contain 1,2, or 3 electrons in the outermost shell which ionize by losing electrons.
• Non-metals contain 4-7 electrons in their outer shell and ionize by gaining electrons.

(b) Nature of oxides

• Oxides of metals are basic in nature except ${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\mathrm{and}\mathrm{ZnO}$ that show amphoteric nature.

${\mathrm{Na}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

• Oxides of non -metals are acidic excepts $\mathrm{NO},\mathrm{CO},{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ etc. that form neutral oxides.

${\mathrm{SO}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to {\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

(c) Oxidising or reducing action

• Metals are good reducing agents as they easily lose electrons.
• Non-metals are oxidizing agents except carbon, as they easily gain electrons.

(d) Conductivity of heat and electricity

• Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity by the presence of free electrons.
• Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity except graphite.