Properties of Metals vs. Properties of Non-Metals

Attribute	Properties of Metals	Properties of Non-Metals
Conductivity	Good conductors of heat and electricity	Poor conductors of heat and electricity
Malleability	Malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets)	Brittle (tend to break when hammered)
Ductility	Ductile (can be drawn into wires)	Not ductile
Appearance	Shiny and lustrous	Dull or shiny
State at room temperature	Solid (except for mercury)	Can be solid, liquid, or gas

Physical Properties

Metals are typically shiny, malleable, and ductile. They have high melting and boiling points, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally dull in appearance, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.

Chemical Properties

Metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions, while non-metals tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged ions. Metals are more likely to react with acids to form salts and hydrogen gas, while non-metals are more likely to react with metals to form ionic compounds. Metals also tend to have a lower electronegativity compared to non-metals.

Reactivity

Metals are generally more reactive than non-metals. They tend to lose electrons easily in chemical reactions, which is why they are good reducing agents. Non-metals, on the other hand, are more likely to gain electrons in reactions, making them good oxidizing agents. This difference in reactivity is due to the tendency of metals to form positive ions and non-metals to form negative ions.

Density

Metals are typically dense materials, with high atomic masses and closely packed atoms. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally less dense compared to metals. This difference in density is due to the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice of each type of element.

State of Matter

Most metals are solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid. Non-metals, on the other hand, can exist in all three states of matter at room temperature. For example, oxygen is a gas, sulfur is a solid, and bromine is a liquid.

Corrosion

Metals are prone to corrosion when exposed to air or water, forming oxides or hydroxides on their surface. This process is known as rusting in the case of iron. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally not prone to corrosion, as they do not readily react with oxygen or water in the same way that metals do.

Uses

Metals have a wide range of uses in various industries, including construction, transportation, electronics, and manufacturing. They are used to make tools, machinery, vehicles, and infrastructure. Non-metals, on the other hand, are used in different applications, such as in the production of plastics, ceramics, and semiconductors. They are also used in agriculture, medicine, and household products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, metals and non-metals have distinct properties that set them apart from each other. While metals are shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity, non-metals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Metals tend to lose electrons in reactions, while non-metals tend to gain electrons. Understanding these differences is essential for predicting the behavior of elements in chemical reactions and for their practical applications in various industries.