Question

Differentiate between metals and non-metals with reference to –
(a) number of electrons in outer or valence shell
(b) formation of cation and anion
(c) reaction with dilute acids.

Answer 1

Chemical Property	Metals	Non-metals
(a) No.of electrons in outer shell	1, 2 or 3 electrons - in the outer or valence shell of an atom a metal. an atom	4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons - in the outer or valence shell of a non-metal [except H, He]
(b) Ion formation	Metal lose or donate valence electrons and form cations [positive ions] e.g. Na - 1e- → Na1+ [caution]	Non-metal accept valence electrons and form anions [negative ions] e.g. Cl + 1e- → Cl1- [anion]
(c) Reaction with acids	React with dilute acids to give hydrogen	Do not react with dilute acids to give hydrogen.