Differentiate between metals and nonmetals.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a comparison between metals and nonmetals, focusing on their distinct characteristics and properties.
Answer
Metals are hard, shiny, and good conductors, while non-metals are usually soft, dull, and poor conductors.
Metals are hard, opaque, shiny, and dense natural elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity and tend to be malleable and ductile. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally soft, non-shiny (except for graphite), brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They can exist in solid, liquid, or gas states and usually have lower melting and boiling points than metals.
Answer for screen readers
Metals are hard, opaque, shiny, and dense natural elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity and tend to be malleable and ductile. Non-metals, on the other hand, are generally soft, non-shiny (except for graphite), brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They can exist in solid, liquid, or gas states and usually have lower melting and boiling points than metals.
More Information
Non-metals like sulfur are often colorful, whereas metals typically have a shiny appearance. Moreover, graphite, a form of carbon, exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all non-metals are gases; they can also be solids or liquids.
Sources
- The Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals - ThoughtCo - thoughtco.com
- Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Key Differences Between Metals and Non-metals - Vedantu - vedantu.com
