Question

Compare the properties of a typical metal and a non- metal on the basis of the following:
(a) electronic configuration
(b) nature of oxides
(c) oxidizing or reducing action
(d) conductivity of heat and electricity

Answer 1

Property	Metal	Non-metal
Electronic Configuration	Usually have 1, 2 or 3 electrons in valence shell .	Usually have 5, 6 or 7 electrons in the valence shell.
Nature of oxides	They generally form basic oxides some of which are amphoteric as Al2O3	Generally form acidic oxides (CO2, SO2). Some oxides are neutral as NO N2O.
Oxidizing or reducing action	Reducing agents	Oxidizing agents
Conductivity of heat and electricity	Generally they are Good conductors of both heat and electricity.	Generally they are Poor conductors of heat and non conductors of electricity.