How are metals different from non-metals?

Metals are generally malleable, ductile, shiny, and good conductors of heat and electricity, unlike non-metals.

Metals and non-metals are two different types of elements that exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties. Metals, for instance, are typically shiny, malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets), and ductile (can be drawn into wires). They are also good conductors of heat and electricity, which is why they are often used in electrical wiring and cooking utensils. Metals tend to have high melting and boiling points, and they are usually solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid.

On the other hand, non-metals are not shiny, malleable, or ductile. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity, making them good insulators. Non-metals have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals, and they can exist in all three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) at room temperature. For example, bromine is a liquid, while oxygen is a gas.

Chemically, metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions, a process known as oxidation. They are generally reactive, especially with acids, and they often corrode over time. Non-metals, in contrast, tend to gain electrons and form negative ions, a process known as reduction. They can react with metals to form ionic compounds, or with other non-metals to form covalent compounds.

In summary, metals and non-metals differ significantly in their physical and chemical properties. Understanding these differences is crucial in chemistry, as it helps predict how different elements will behave and interact with each other.