Chapter No. 8: Metallurgy.
What are the differences between metals and nonmetals (on the basis of their chemical properties)?
Ans.
Metals
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Nonmetals
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They generally form basic or amphoteric oxides.
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They generally form acidic or neutral oxides.
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Highly reactive metals such as Na, K, Ca, Al, Fe, etc. displace hydrogen from water or steam.
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Nonmetals generally do not react with water.
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Highly reactive metals displace hydrogen from dilute acids.
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Nonmetals generally do not displace hydrogen from dilute acids.
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Metals have strong tendency to lose electrons and hence, they behave as reductants or reducing agents.
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Nonmetals have strong tendency to accept electrons and hence, they behave as oxidants or oxidising agents.
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