Metals vs Non-metals

Metals and non-metals are elements that are distinct in their chemical

and physical properties. Metals and non-metals can be easily
differentiated. In the periodic table, the metals are placed on the left,
and the non-metals on the right.

First of all, let’s look at the difference in the chemical properties

between metals and non-metals. Metals have one to three electrons in
their outer shell, whereas non-metals have four to eight electrons.
Another difference is that metals tend to lose their valence electrons,
but non-metals share or gain valence electrons.

Where metals form oxides which are basic, non-metals form oxides
which are acidic. While metals are very good reducing agents, non-
metals are very good oxidising agents.

Now, considering the difference between their physical properties,

metals are malleable, which means it can be beaten to thin sheets. On
the other hand, non-metals are very brittle. When comparing their
density, metals have a high to moderate density, whereas non-metals
have low to moderate density.

While metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, non-metals

are poor conductors. Unlike non-metals, metals are ductile, which
means they can be stretched into wires. Another difference between
metals and non-metals, is that the former has a metallic luster, while
the other does not.
It can also be seen that metals are opaque and non-metals are
transparent. Metals are present in solid form at room temperature,
and non-metals are present in solid and liquid forms at room
temperature.

Summary:

1. Metals have one to three electrons in their outer shell, whereas non-
metals have four to eight electrons.

2. Metals are malleable, which means they can be beaten to thin

sheets. On the other hand, non-metals are very brittle.

3. Metals have a high to moderate density, whereas non-metals have

low to moderate density.

4. Metals are opaque and non-metals are transparent.

5. Metals are present in solid form at room temperature, and non-

metals are present in solid and liquid forms at room temperature.

6. Unlike non-metals, metals are ductile, which means they can be

stretched into wires.

7. Metals have a metallic luster, while non-metals do not.

8. Metals tend to lose their valence electrons, but non-metals share or

gain valence electrons.

9. Metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, but non-metals

are poor conductors.
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