Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals
Metals and non-metals display different chemical properties due to their atomic structure and arrangement of electrons. Here are some key differences between the two:

Metallic Character
- Metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, which makes them good conductors of electricity.
- Non-metals tend to gain electrons to form anions, which makes them poor conductors of electricity.

Reactivity
- Metals generally react with acids to form salts and hydrogen gas.
- Non-metals may react with metals to form ionic compounds or with other non-metals to form covalent compounds.

Oxidation States
- Metals typically exhibit positive oxidation states in compounds.
- Non-metals generally exhibit negative oxidation states in compounds.

Physical Properties
- Metals are typically shiny, malleable, and ductile.
- Non-metals may be dull, brittle, and non-malleable.

Flame Test
- Metals often produce characteristic colors when burned in a flame. For example, potassium burns with a lilac color.
- Non-metals do not typically produce colorful flames when burned.
Understanding the chemical properties of metals and non-metals is crucial in various fields such as chemistry, material science, and industry. These properties determine how elements interact with each other and the environment, leading to a wide range of applications and uses.

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