State two physical properties on the basis of which metals can be distinguished form non-metals.

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Solution

A detailed comparison of properties of metals and non-metals is given in table:

Property Metals Non-metals

State of matter These are usually solid, except mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature. Gallium and Caesium melt below 30. So if room temperature is around 30, they may also be in liquid state These exist in all the three states. Bromine is the only liquid.

Density They usually have high density, except for sodium, potassium, calcium etc. Their densities are usually low.

Melting point They usually have a high melting point except mercury, cesium, gallium, tin, lead. Their melting points are low.

Boiling point Their boiling points are usually high. Their boiling points are low.

Hardness They are usually hard, except mercury, sodium, calcium, potassium, lead etc. They are usually not hard. But the exception is the non-metal diamond, the hardest substance.

Malleability They can be beaten into thin sheets. They are generally brittle.

Ductility They can be drawn into thin wires, except sodium, potassium, calcium etc. They cannot be drawn into thin wires.

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Similar questions

State one chemical property which can be used to distinguish a metal from a non-metal.

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Property	Metals	Non-metals
State of matter	These are usually solid, except mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature. Gallium and Caesium melt below 30. So if room temperature is around 30, they may also be in liquid state	These exist in all the three states. Bromine is the only liquid.
Density	They usually have high density, except for sodium, potassium, calcium etc.	Their densities are usually low.
Melting point	They usually have a high melting point except mercury, cesium, gallium, tin, lead.	Their melting points are low.
Boiling point	Their boiling points are usually high.	Their boiling points are low.
Hardness	They are usually hard, except mercury, sodium, calcium, potassium, lead etc.	They are usually not hard. But the exception is the non-metal diamond, the hardest substance.
Malleability	They can be beaten into thin sheets.	They are generally brittle.
Ductility	They can be drawn into thin wires, except sodium, potassium, calcium etc.	They cannot be drawn into thin wires.