Question

why sodium a metal whereas carbon is a non metal

Answer 1

hi
first you need to understand that metal is a electron donor or it have the tendecy to donate electrons but non metal are the substancses which accepts a electron .
Sodium have one electron in it's valence she'll there for it have the tendecy to loose on electron and it's a metal but carbon have 4 electron in valence shell and it's have a greater affinity to accept electron to complete the order rule

Answer 2

Hi,
THE REASON FOR SODIUM IS METAL=
Sodium is good conductor of electricity.
it is malleable and ductile.
it is solid in room temperature.
THE REASON FOR CARBON IS NON METAL=
It is bad conductor of electricity.
It is not malleable or ductile.
It is gaseous in room temperature.