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The fundamental difference between metals and nonmetals is that metals tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions, and nonmetals tend to gain electrons in chemical reactions (not including the noble gases which are also a type of nonmetal and which are not reactive). In terms of physical properties, metals have a distinctive metallic appearance, shiny and silvery; they are good electrical conductors, they are flexible (although it is possible to formulate less flexible alloys) and usually solid, except for Mercury which is liquid. Nonmetals come in other colors, are generally not good electrical conductors, and come in a variety of phases, solid, liquid, or gas.

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11y ago
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12y ago

Here are the general differences between metals and nonmetals.

  • Metals are generally lustrous (shiny) while nonmetals tend to be dull.
  • Most metals are good conductors of heat and electricity while nonmetals of generally poor conductors.
  • Metals tend to be malleable and ductile while nonmetals are usually brittle.
  • Metals ions are usually positive while nonmetal ions are usually negative.
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Q: What are some properties that make metals and non metals different?
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