What are the general and characteristics of metals and non metals and metalloids?

Answer 1

Metals:

Shiny 'metallic' appearance

Solids at room temperature (except Mercury)

High melting points

High densities

Large atomic radii

Non Metals:

High ionization energies

High electronegativities

Poor thermal conductors

Poor electrical conductors

Brittle solids

Little or no metallic luster

Gain electrons easily

Metalloids:

Electronegativities between those of metals and nonmetals

Ionization energies between those of metals and nonmetals

Possess some characteristics of metals/some of nonmetals

Reactivity depends on properties of other elements in reaction

Often make good semiconductors

Answer 2

Metals are generally shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to lose electrons and form positive ions in chemical reactions. Non-metals are usually dull in appearance, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to gain electrons and form negative ions in chemical reactions. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and non-metals, such as being semi-conductors of electricity.