Metals and non-metals are substances that can be differentiated on the basis of various physical and chemical properties. Metals are the elements that are generally hard as strong metallic bond exists between the atoms. ... While the elements with 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell are known as non-metals.
The reason behind this is that metals have free electrons present in their structure. And these free electrons vibrate when then the surface is exposed to light and thus appears as a shiny surface.
However, lead stands as an exception for this particular property because lead is a metal with a dull appearance.
Metals are usually found in solid-state but mercury is an exception as it is a metal present in liquid form. Along with this, sodium and potassium are the metals that can be cut down with a knife without any sort of great force as these substances are not too hard.
Metals can be easily transformed into thin sheets and thus are said to be malleable. Furthermore, metals can be converted into thin long wires hence shows ductility.
NON METAL
Non-metals are materials that are soft and possess poor electrical and thermal conductivity. This means that non-metals restrict the flow of electric current through them.
However, graphite stands here as an exception because it exhibits good electrical conductivity.
Non-metals do not possess the property exhibited by the metals. They appear to be dull, but elements like iodine and diamonds are the exceptional non-metals that have a shiny appearance.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Metals and non-metals are substances that can be differentiated on the basis of various physical and chemical properties. Metals are the elements that are generally hard as strong metallic bond exists between the atoms. ... While the elements with 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell are known as non-metals.
Explanation:
METAL
The reason behind this is that metals have free electrons present in their structure. And these free electrons vibrate when then the surface is exposed to light and thus appears as a shiny surface.
However, lead stands as an exception for this particular property because lead is a metal with a dull appearance.
Metals are usually found in solid-state but mercury is an exception as it is a metal present in liquid form. Along with this, sodium and potassium are the metals that can be cut down with a knife without any sort of great force as these substances are not too hard.
Metals can be easily transformed into thin sheets and thus are said to be malleable. Furthermore, metals can be converted into thin long wires hence shows ductility.
NON METAL
Non-metals are materials that are soft and possess poor electrical and thermal conductivity. This means that non-metals restrict the flow of electric current through them.
However, graphite stands here as an exception because it exhibits good electrical conductivity.
Non-metals do not possess the property exhibited by the metals. They appear to be dull, but elements like iodine and diamonds are the exceptional non-metals that have a shiny appearance.