State five characteristics of metals and five characteristics of nonmetals.

Metals are the elements which lose electrons to form cations and are electropositive in nature. For example, Sodium, potassium, Iron, Zinc and Calcium are metals. Following are characteristics of metals:

1. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.


2. Metals are highly malleable and ductile.


3. They have very high melting and boiling points.


4. Metal oxides are basic in nature.


5. Metals displace hydrogen from dilute acids.


Nonmetals: Nonmetals are the elements that gain electrons and form negative ions. They are also called electronegative elements. For example, chlorine, sulphur, oxygen, bromine, phosphorus and nitrogen are nonmetals. Following are the characteristics of nonmetals:


1. Nonmetals are not malleable and ductile but they are brittle.


2. They are bad conductors of heat and electricity.


3. They have low melting and boiling points and are soft.


4. They form acidic or neutral oxides when they react with oxygen.


5. Nonmetals do not displace hydrogen with dilute acids.


69