Question

Learn the chemical differences between metals and non-metals.

Hint:

Metals: Lose electrons → Basic oxides → Ionic bonds Non-metals: Gain/share electrons → Acidic oxides → Covalent bonds

Answer 1

Concept: Metals and non-metals differ significantly in their chemical behavior due to differences in electron configuration, ion formation, and bonding nature. Chemical Differences between Metals and Non-metals: \begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|} \hline Property & Metals & Non-metals
\hline Electron tendency & Lose electrons (electropositive) & Gain electrons (electronegative)
\hline Ion formation & Form cations (+) & Form anions (-)
\hline Reaction with oxygen & Form basic or amphoteric oxides & Form acidic or neutral oxides
\hline Reaction with water & Many metals react to form hydroxide + \( H_2 \) & Generally do not react with water
\hline Reaction with acids & React with dilute acids to release \( H_2 \) gas & Usually do not react with dilute acids
\hline Bond formation & Form ionic compounds & Form covalent compounds
\hline Nature of oxides & Basic (e.g., \( \mathrm{Na_2O} \)) & Acidic (e.g., \( \mathrm{CO_2} \), \( \mathrm{SO_2} \))
\hline \end{tabular} \end{center} Examples: Metals: \[ \mathrm{Zn + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2 \uparrow} \] Non-metals: \[ \mathrm{C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2} \quad (\text{acidic oxide}) \] Explanation: Metals have fewer valence electrons and tend to lose them easily, forming positive ions and ionic compounds. Non-metals have more valence electrons and tend to gain or share electrons, leading to covalent bonding and acidic oxides.