Question

A sample of a solid nonmetal is compared to a sample of a solid metal. Both samples have the same volume. What is the

most likely difference between the two samples?

Answer 1

STRUCTURE:

• Metals have a crystalline structure, whereas non-metals possess amorphic structure.

• At room temperature, metals are usually solid, except mercury and gallium which are in the liquid state. Conversely, non-metals can be found in solid or gaseous form, except Bromine which is the only non-metal that is present in liquid form.

• Density is the ratio of mass to volume; metals have a higher density as compared to non-metals.

• Metals look smooth and shiny, while non-metals usually appear dull.

• When it comes to hardness, metals are generally hard substance, but it varies from substance to substance. Unlike non-metals is soft substance except diamond, which is the hardest substance on earth.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

• Metals support conduction of heat and electricity. Conversely, non-metals are insulators, and so they do not support conduction of heat and electricity.
• Metals have a very high melting and boiling point. In contrast, non-metals are boiled and melted at a relatively low temperature.
• In the outer shell, metals consist of 1 to 3 electrons, whereas non-metals consist of 4 to 8 electrons.