Question

What are the major differences between metals and non-metals?

Answer 1

	Metals		Non–metals
1.	Metals can lose electrons easily.	1.	Non-metals cannot lose electrons easily.
2.	Metals cannot gain electrons easily.	2.	Non-metals can gain electrons easily.
3.	Metals generally form ionic compounds.	3.	Non–metals generally form covalent compounds.
4.	Metals oxides are basic in nature.	4.	Non–metallic oxides are acidic in nature.
5.	Metals have low ionization enthalpies.	5.	Non–metals have high ionization enthalpies.
6.	Metals have less negative electron gain enthalpies.	6.	Non­–metals have high negative electron gain enthalpies.
7.	Metals are less electronegative. They are rather electropositive elements.	7.	Non–metals are electronegative.
8.	Metals have a high reducing power.	8.	Non–metals have a low reducing power.