Metals:

1. Reactivity: Metals generally have a tendency to lose electrons and form positively charged ions, making them good conductors of electricity and heat.
2. Formation of Cations: When metals react, they often lose one or more electrons to form cations (positively charged ions). For example, sodium (Na) forms Na+ ions by losing one electron.

1. Reaction with Oxygen: Most metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. This process is called oxidation. For example, iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust).
2. Reaction with Water: Some metals react with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. This is known as the metal’s reactivity with water. For example, sodium reacts vigorously with water, producing sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

1. Reaction with Acids: Metals can also react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas. The reactivity of metals with acids varies. For instance, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

Non-Metals:

1. Reactivity: Non-metals generally have a tendency to gain electrons and form negatively charged ions or share electrons in covalent bonds.
2. Formation of Anions: When non-metals react, they often gain electrons to form anions (negatively charged ions). For example, chlorine (Cl) forms Cl- ions by gaining one electron.
3. Reaction with Oxygen: Non-metals can react with oxygen to form non-metallic oxides. Unlike metals, these oxides are often acidic. For example, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is acidic.
4. Reaction with Hydrogen: Some non-metals, like hydrogen and carbon, can react with each other to form compounds. For instance, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water (H2O).
5. Non-Metallic Conductivity: Non-metals are generally poor conductors of electricity and heat. This is because they do not have the free electrons that metals have.
6. Varied Reactivity: Non-metals have a wide range of reactivity. For example, highly reactive non-metals like chlorine can be dangerous, while less reactive non-metals like carbon are essential for life.
7. Reaction with Acids: Non-metals can also react with acids, but the products formed can vary. For instance, sulfur reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S).

In summary, metals and non-metals have distinct reactivity characteristics based on their electron behavior. Metals tend to lose electrons and form cations, while non-metals tend to gain electrons and form anions or share electrons in covalent bonds. Their reactions with oxygen, water, and acids differ significantly, and these properties are essential for understanding their behavior in various chemical reactions.

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