Metals and non-metals are two broad categories of elements based on their physical and chemical properties. These categories are typically defined by the arrangement of electrons in their atoms and how they interact with other elements.

1.Metals:

Physical Properties:

Shiny luster: Metals often have a shiny, reflective surface when freshly polished.

Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Malleability: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires.

Solid at room temperature (with the exception of mercury).

High melting and boiling points.

Chemical Properties:

Tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations).

Generally form basic oxides.

Typically have lower electronegativity.

Examples of Metals:

Iron (Fe)

Copper (Cu)

Gold (Au)

Aluminum (Al)

Sodium (Na)

2.Non-Metals:

physical Properties:

Lack the shiny luster of metals.

Generally poor conductors of heat and electricity.

Brittle and not malleable or ductile.

Can exist in various states at room temperature (solid, liquid, or gas).

Chemical Properties:

Tend to gain electrons to form negatively charged ions (anions).

Typically form acidic or neutral oxides.

Generally have higher electronegativity.

Examples of Non-Metals:

Oxygen (O)

Carbon (C)

Hydrogen (H)

Nitrogen (N)

Fluorine (F)

Metalloids:

There is also a category of elements called metalloids, which exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals. Examples of metalloids include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and arsenic (As).

The division between metals and non-metals is based on general trends, and there are exceptions and variations within each category. The periodic table is a helpful tool for visualizing the arrangement of elements and their classification as metals, non-metals, or metalloids.