What are Metals and Non-Metals?

An element may be defined as a substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. 

These elements are further of two types:

• Metals
• Non-metals

Metals 

These are shiny elements that form positive ions ( cations ) and are good conductors of heat and electricity .

Metals are also malleable and ductile.

• Malleability is a property of metals that allows it to be beaten into thin sheets without breaking. 
• Ductility is a property of metals that allows them to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. 

Eg : Gold, Silver, Aluminium etc.

Non-metals: 

Elements that form negative ions ( anions ) and are bad conductors of heat and electricity . 

These show properties opposite to those of metals. 

• Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile . 
• They are brittle and they break when put under stress. 

Eg : Chlorine, Oxygen, Sulphur etc.