question_answer 36)

What are the major differences between metals and non-metals?

Answer:

Metals: (i) Except mercury and gallium, all other metals are found in solid state at room temperature. (ii) They are good conductor of heat and electricity. (iii) They are malleable and ductile. (iv) Mostly metals have high density. However, lithium, sodium and potassium have low density and float on water. Non-metals; (i) Six of the non-metals C, B, P, S, Se and iodine are in solid state. Bromine is the only non-metal found in liquid state. The remaining non-metals nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, hydrogen and noble gases are found in gaseous state. (ii) They are brittle having low melting and boiling points except carbon and boron. (iii) They are poor conductor of heat and electricity.