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. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Metals are highly malleable and ductile.

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. Nonmetals are not malleable and ductile but they are brittle. Nonmetals are bad conductors of heat and electricity. They have low melting and boiling points and are soft. Following are the difference in chemical properties between metals and nonmetals.