Question

Differentiate between metals and non-metals ??

Answer 1

Metals, except mercury & gallium are solids at room temperature while non-metals , except bromine are solids or gases at room temperature. Metals are lustrous while non-metals, except diamond & graphite which are allotropes of carbon as well as iodine, are non-lustrous. Metals are good conductors of heat & electricity.

Answer 2

Differences on basis of chemical properties :

Ф The metals have 1,2 or 3 electrons in their outermost shell.

Ф The non-metals have only 4,5,6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell.

Ф The metals lose electrons only.

Ф The non-metals gain electrons.

Ф The metal always has a positive charge.

Ф The non-metals has a negative charge.

Ф Metal elements form cations.

Ф Non-metal elements form anions.

Ф Metals are found abundant in the bottom of the periodic table.

Ф Non-metals are abundant at the top of the periodic table.

Differences on basis of physical properties :

Ф Metals are mostly solids.

Ф Non metals are mostly liquids or gases .

Ф Metals are sonorous and ductile .

Ф Non-metals are non-sonorous and not ductile.

Ф Metals are malleable .

Ф Non metals are non-malleable .

Ф Metals have high melting and boiling points.

Ф Non-metals have low melting and boiling points .