Question

Answer the following question.

Compare chemical properties of metals and non-metals.

Answer 1

1. Metals (like alkali metals) react vigorously with oxygen to form oxides which react with water to form strong bases.
   e.g. Sodium (Na) reacts with oxygen to form Na₂O which produces NaOH on reaction with water.
2. Nonmetals (like halogens) react with oxygen to form oxides which on reaction with water form strong acids.
   e.g. Chlorine reacts with oxygen to form Cl₂O₇ which produces HClO₄ on reaction with water.