What is the Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals?

The main differences between metals and nonmetals lie in their physical and chemical properties. Here are some key differences:

1. Appearance: Metals are typically shiny and lustrous, while nonmetals are dull and do not reflect light.
2. State at room temperature: Most metals are solid at room temperature (except for mercury), whereas nonmetals can be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature.
3. Malleability and ductility: Metals are malleable and ductile, meaning they can be easily bent or drawn into thin wires. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are brittle and break easily.
4. Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, except for graphite, which is a good conductor of electricity.
5. Electron configuration: Metals tend to have 1-3 outer electrons in their electron configuration, while nonmetals have a varying number of outer electrons.
6. Chemical reactions: Metals chemically react by losing their outer electrons to form positive ions, while nonmetals do not form positive ions when going through a chemical reaction.
7. Oxide formation: Metals form basic oxides, while nonmetals form acidic oxides or neutral oxides.
8. Reactivity with hydrogen: Metals usually do not combine with hydrogen, while nonmetals react with hydrogen to form stable, covalent hydrides.
9. Reactivity with water or steam: Metals displace hydrogen from water or steam, while nonmetals do not react with water or steam.
10. Reactivity with dilute acids: Metals displace hydrogen from dilute acids, while nonmetals do not react with dilute acids.

Comparative Table: Metals vs Nonmetals

Here is a table that highlights the differences between metals and nonmetals:

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile, while nonmetals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity, brittle, and not ductile or malleable. Metals are solids at room temperature, while nonmetals can be gases, liquids, or solids. Metals and nonmetals combine to form ionic compounds and covalent compounds, respectively.