Distinguish between Metal and Non-metal?

Metals are the material which possesses the characteristic of being hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, ductile, etc. are termed as metal.

Few examples of metals are iron, gold, silver, aluminium, copper, mercury etc.

Below are the characteristics of Metal:

1. The density of metals is usually high.

2. Metals are malleable and ductile.

3. Metals form an alloy with other metals or non – metals.

4. Some metals react with air and corrode. For e.g. Iron.

5. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Lead is an exception.

6. Generally, metals are in a solid-state at room temperature. Except for Mercury. Mercury is in a liquid state.

7. Many metals produce metal oxide by burning in the oxygen of the air. Highly reactive metals react violently when they’re burnt in oxygen.

8. Metals like sodium and potassium are stored in oil as they react with air in seconds. They’re highly reactive metals.

9. Less reactive metals like gold, silver, platinum, etc do not tarnish easily. They stay shiny and lustrous.

10. Metals produce metal oxide and hydrogen gas while reacting with water.

11. Soluble metal oxides dissolve in water and create metal hydroxide.

12. Not all metals react with water. However, highly reactive metals like sodium and potassium react with water violently and an exothermic reaction takes places where the hydrogen immediately catches fire.

13. Salt and hydrogen are produced when a metal reacts with an acid.

14. Generally, a metal displaces a less reactive metal in a metal salt solution.

Below are the characteristics of Non-metals:

1. Non-metals are the elements which form negative ions by accepting or gaining electrons. 

2. Non-metals usually have 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell.

3. Non-metals are those which lack all the metallic attributes. 

4. They are good insulators of heat and electricity. 

5. They are mostly gases and sometimes liquid.