Question

what is the difference between metals &non metals

Answer 1

Metals are lustrous, malleable (beaten into thin sheets) and ductile (stretched into wires) while non-metals are not lustrous, malleable and ductile.

Metals are good conductors of electricity while non-metals are poor conductors of electricity.

Metals are usually solid at room temperature (except mercury) while non-metals may be solids, liquids or gases at room temperature.

Metals have 1-3 electrons in the outer most shell and non-metals have 7-8 electrons in the outer most shell.

Metals lose electrons easily while non-metals gain or share electrons easily.

Metals have lower electronegativities while non-metals have higher electronegativities.

Metals are good reducing agents while non-metals are good oxidizing agents.