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

                        Metals                                     Non–metals       

 

1

 Metals can lose electrons easily.     

 1

Non-metals cannot lose electrons easily.

2

 Metals cannot gain electrons easily.

 2

 Non-metals can gain electrons easily.

 

3

 Metals generally form ionic compounds.

 3

Non–metals generally form covalent compounds.

 

 

4

 Metals oxides are basic in nature.

 4

 Non–metallic oxides are acidic in nature

 

5

 Metals have low ionization enthalpies.

 5

 Non–metals have high ionization enthalpies.

 

6

 Metals have less negative electron gain enthalpies.

 6

 Non–metals have high negative electron gain enthalpies.

 

7

 Metals are less electronegative. They are rather electropositive elements.

 7

 Non–metals are electronegative.

 

8

 Metals have a high reducing power.

8

 Non–metals have a low reducing power.