Physical and Chemical Differences Between Metals and Non-Metals with Examples
The difference between metals and non-metals is a fundamental concept in JEE Main Chemistry, essential for mastering classification of elements, physical and chemical properties, and periodic table trends. Both metals and non-metals occur naturally, forming most compounds and materials we use in everyday life—such as iron for tools and oxygen for breathing. Learning to compare their properties not only helps in quick exam revision but also enables deeper application in problem-solving, especially for assertion-reason and MCQ questions.
Definition and Classification of Metals and Non-Metals
Metals are elements generally found on the left side and center of the periodic table (s-, d-, and some p-block elements). They are usually solid, lustrous, malleable, ductile, and excellent conductors of heat and electricity. Common metals include sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu).
Non-metals are elements that are typically found on the right side of the periodic table (mainly p-block). They can exist as solids, liquids, or gases and are generally dull, brittle, non-conductors, and have lower densities than metals. Classic examples are sulphur (S), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2).
Periodic Table Position: Metals vs. Non-metals
In the periodic table, metals occupy about 75% of the elements (left and center), while non-metals fill the upper right corner. The "staircase line" separates them, with metalloids like silicon and boron showing intermediate properties. Understanding this spatial arrangement enables easy prediction of element behavior in reactions and bonding.
Difference Between Metals and Non-Metals
A clear comparison is crucial for exams. The main difference between metals and non-metals lies in their physical and chemical properties such as luster, malleability, conductivity, appearance, and reaction with acids. This table below provides key contrasts for rapid JEE Main revision:
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny (lustrous) | Dull, non-lustrous (except iodine, graphite) |
| Conductivity | Good conductor of heat/electricity | Poor conductor (graphite is an exception) |
| Malleability & Ductility | Malleable & ductile (can be hammered/drawn into wires) | Brittle; neither malleable nor ductile |
| Physical State | Mostly solid (except Hg, liquid at room temp) | Solid, liquid (Br2), or gas |
| Density | Usually high | Usually low |
| Sonority | Sonorous (produce ringing sound) | Non-sonorous |
| Reaction with Acids | Produce H2 gas (e.g. Zn + H2SO4) | No H2 gas with acids |
| Nature of Oxides | Form basic/ amphoteric oxides (Na2O, Al2O3) | Form acidic and neutral oxides (SO2, CO) |
| Valence Electrons | 1 to 3 in outermost shell (electropositive) | Usually 4 to 8 (electronegative) |
| Typical Examples | Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Sodium | Sulphur, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon |
These differences help identify and classify any unknown element or mineral in a JEE question, especially when given basic properties in assertion-reason formats.
Popular Examples and Real-Life Applications
Understanding practical applications of metals and non-metals strengthens their conceptual difference. Below is a brief summary to support real-world and question-based context:
- Metals: Used in construction (iron for beams), wiring (copper), vehicles (aluminium alloys), water pipelines (steel), and coins (nickel, copper).
- Non-metals: Oxygen for respiration, nitrogen in fertilizers, chlorine as a disinfectant, graphite in pencils, and sulphur in medicines and firecrackers.
- Hydrogen (a non-metal) is used in fuel cells; bromine (liquid at room temperature) is found in photographic materials.
Such examples are often tested in JEE passage-based and application questions. Remember, distinguishing between metals and non-metals is not just about properties, but their role in life and technology.
Detailed Chemical Properties and Major Exceptions
Key chemical differences between metals and non-metals include their typical ions, oxide nature, and reactions with acids, bases, and oxygen. Metals tend to lose electrons, acting as reducing agents, while non-metals gain electrons, acting as oxidizing agents. Notable exceptions should be memorized for tricky MCQs:
- Mercury (Hg) is a metal but liquid at room temperature.
- Graphite is a non-metal, yet conducts electricity (due to delocalized electrons); diamonds (carbon allotrope, non-metal) are extremely hard.
- Iodine is a lustrous non-metal.
- Bromine is the only non-metal liquid at room temperature.
Be cautious: the difference between metals and non-metals is not absolute—always check for exceptions in JEE questions, especially from group trends in the modern periodic table. Contrast elements like sodium and sulphur for full clarity.
Summary Table for Rapid JEE Revision
This printable summary table on the difference between metals and non-metals makes last-minute revision easy for JEE Main aspirants. Convert these points to flashcards or integrate with other practice from Vedantu Chemistry resources.
- Metals: Lustrous, good conductors, malleable, high density, solid at room temperature.
- Non-metals: Dull, poor conductors, brittle, low density, solid/liquid/gas at room temperature.
- Typical metal: Iron (Fe); non-metal: Sulphur (S).
- Metalloids (e.g., silicon, boron): Show some properties of both; useful in semiconductors and devices.
Use this topic together with key links on p-block elements, periodicity, and bonding for complete conceptual understanding and score maximization in JEE Main Chemistry.
- Difference Between Metals and Non-Metals (JEE Main)
- Classification & Periodicity Practice (JEE)
- Metallic vs Electrolytic Conductors
- Reactions of Metals with Acids
- Difference Between Atom and Ion
- Hydrogen: Properties and Uses
- Modern Periodic Table
- p-Block Elements
- Biomolecules
- d- and f-Block Elements
- Polymers in Chemistry
- Redox Reactions
- Chemical Properties of Hydrogen
- Basic Concepts in Chemistry
- Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
- Chemical Bonding Practice
- p-Block Elements Practice
The difference between metals and non-metals underpins much of inorganic chemistry. Master these contrasts, use Vedantu’s JEE Main Chemistry resources for practice, and you’ll confidently solve related assertion-reason, MCQ, and application-based questions.
FAQs on Difference Between Metals and Non-Metals Explained
1. What are 5 differences between metals and non-metals?
Metals and non-metals differ in several key ways important for Chemistry exams.
Five main differences are:
- Lustre: Metals are shiny (lustrous), non-metals are generally dull.
- Conductivity: Metals conduct heat and electricity; non-metals are poor conductors.
- Malleability: Metals can be hammered into sheets (malleable); non-metals are brittle.
- State at room temperature: Most metals are solids; non-metals may be solids, liquids or gases.
- Chemical reactivity: Metals react with acids to produce hydrogen; non-metals usually do not.
2. What is the difference between a non-metal and a metal?
Metals and non-metals differ in appearance, physical traits, and chemical behavior.
- Metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile, and conduct electricity well.
- Non-metals are dull, brittle, poor conductors, and display variable states and chemical properties.
Examples: Iron (metal), Sulphur (non-metal).
3. Give examples of metal and non-metal elements.
Common metals include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), and sodium (Na). Common non-metals are sulphur (S), carbon (C), oxygen (O2), and chlorine (Cl2). These examples help distinguish the two groups for exams and practical understanding.
4. Is diamond a metal or non-metal?
Diamond is a form of carbon, which is classified as a non-metal.
Key points:
- It is one of the hardest known substances.
- It is an electrical insulator (unlike graphite, another form of carbon).
- It is transparent and extremely lustrous but not metallic.
5. How do metals and non-metals differ in the periodic table?
In the periodic table, metals are found primarily on the left and middle (groups 1-12), while non-metals are on the right side (except hydrogen).
- Metals: occupy majority of elements (about 80%).
- Non-metals: found in top right, mainly in groups 14-18 (except group 18 noble gases).
- Metalloids: found along the zig-zag line between metals and non-metals.
6. What are the chemical properties of metals and non-metals?
Metals and non-metals differ in chemical behavior.
Metals:
- React with acids to produce hydrogen gas.
- Form basic oxides with oxygen.
- Tend to lose electrons in reactions (form cations).
- Do not usually react with acids.
- Form acidic or neutral oxides with oxygen.
- Tend to gain electrons (form anions).
7. Are all metals solid at room temperature?
While nearly all metals are solid at room temperature, mercury (Hg) is a liquid metal and an important exception. Other metals like gallium and cesium also have low melting points and can liquefy slightly above room temperature.
8. Which non-metals are found in gaseous state?
Common non-metals in the gaseous state at room temperature include:
- Oxygen (O2)
- Nitrogen (N2)
- Hydrogen (H2)
- Chlorine (Cl2)
- Fluorine (F2)
- Noble gases: Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon
9. Can any element be both metal and non-metal? What are metalloids?
Some elements show intermediate properties—these are called metalloids.
- Metalloids behave partially like metals and partially like non-metals.
- Examples: Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic.
- They are found in the periodic table along the zig-zag line dividing metals and non-metals.
10. Do all non-metals lack luster? Are there exceptions?
Most non-metals are dull, but a few exceptions exist.
- Iodine has a metallic shine (sublimed form), despite being a non-metal.
- Graphite, a form of carbon, also has a shiny surface.
11. What are the uses of metals and non-metals in daily life?
Metals are used for construction (iron, steel), wires (copper), coins (nickel, zinc), utensils (aluminium), and vehicles.
Non-metals like oxygen support breathing, chlorine disinfects water, sulphur is used in medicines, and nitrogen is found in fertilizers. These examples demonstrate their importance in society and industry.
12. Is graphite a metal or non-metal? Why does it conduct electricity?
Graphite is a non-metal (allotrope of carbon) that conducts electricity. It contains loosely held electrons which can move freely, making it an electrical conductor—an exception among non-metals.
