Question

Differences between metals and non metals

Answer 1

Difference between metals and non-metals

1. The metals are generally present in the solid form at room temperature except mercury which is liquid at room temperature. Whereas non-metals may be solid, liquid and gaseous at room temperature.
2. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity but non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
3. Metals are ductile in nature i.e. it can be drawn into thin wires. But non-metals are not ductile.
4. Metals are malleable but non-metals are not malleable. Malleable means the property through which metals can be hammered into thin sheets.
5. Metals are lustrous i.e. having shinning appearance but non-metals are dull in appearance.
6. Metals contain 1 to 3 electrons in their outermost shell whereas non-metals contain 4 to 8 electrons in their outermost shell.
7. Metal loses electrons to form electropositive ions but non-metals accept electrons to form electronegative ions.
8. Metals have low ionization enthalpy and non-metals have high ionization enthalpy.
9. Metals react with oxygen to form basic oxides whereas non-metals usually react with oxygen to form acidic oxides.
10. Metals are good reducing agent as it loses electrons easily from its valance shell. But non-metals are good oxidizing agent as it accepts electrons in its outermost shell.
11. Metals are sonorous in nature i.e. produces sound when hit by an object. but non-metals does not produces any sound.