Metal vs. Non-Metal

Attribute	Metal	Non-Metal
Physical State	Solid (except for Mercury)	Can be solid, liquid, or gas
Conductivity	Good conductor of heat and electricity	Poor conductor of heat and electricity
Malleability	Malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets)	Brittle (easily breaks)
Ductility	Ductile (can be drawn into wires)	Not ductile
Luster	Shiny	Not shiny
Chemical Reactivity	Reactive with acids	Not reactive with acids

Physical Properties

Metals are typically shiny, malleable, and ductile. They have high electrical and thermal conductivity, making them useful in various applications such as wiring and construction. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally dull in appearance and brittle. They have poor electrical and thermal conductivity, which limits their use in certain industries.

Chemical Properties

Metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions, while non-metals tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged ions. This difference in electron behavior leads to distinct chemical properties between the two groups. Metals are more likely to react with acids to form salts, while non-metals are more likely to form covalent compounds with other non-metals.

Reactivity

Metals vary in their reactivity, with some metals like gold and platinum being very unreactive, while others like sodium and potassium being highly reactive. Non-metals, on the other hand, tend to be more reactive with other non-metals or metals that are lower in the reactivity series. This difference in reactivity is due to the tendency of metals to lose electrons and non-metals to gain electrons.

Occurrence in Nature

Metals are abundant in the Earth's crust and are often found in ores that require extraction processes to obtain the pure metal. Non-metals, on the other hand, are less abundant in nature and are typically found in the form of gases or minerals. Some non-metals, such as oxygen and nitrogen, make up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere.

Applications

Metals have a wide range of applications in various industries, including construction, electronics, and transportation. Non-metals are also used in a variety of applications, such as in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Both metals and non-metals play crucial roles in modern society and are essential for the development of technology and infrastructure.

Physical State

Metals are typically solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid. Non-metals can exist in various states at room temperature, including gases like oxygen and solids like sulfur. This difference in physical state is due to the arrangement of atoms and the strength of intermolecular forces in each group.

Conductivity

Metals are known for their high electrical and thermal conductivity, which allows them to efficiently transfer heat and electricity. Non-metals, on the other hand, have low conductivity and are often used as insulators in electrical and thermal applications. This difference in conductivity is due to the presence of free electrons in metals that can move easily, while non-metals lack these free electrons.

Strength

Metals are generally strong and can withstand high levels of stress and deformation. Non-metals, on the other hand, are typically weaker and more brittle, making them less suitable for structural applications. This difference in strength is due to the metallic bonding in metals, which allows for the movement of atoms under stress, while non-metals have covalent or ionic bonds that are more rigid.

Corrosion

Metals are prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen, leading to the formation of rust or tarnish on the surface. Non-metals, on the other hand, are less susceptible to corrosion, as they do not undergo the same oxidation reactions as metals. This difference in corrosion behavior is a significant factor in the selection of materials for various applications.

Toxicity

Some metals, such as lead and mercury, are toxic to humans and the environment when ingested or inhaled. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally less toxic, although some non-metal compounds can be harmful if not handled properly. This difference in toxicity is an important consideration in the use and disposal of materials containing metals or non-metals.