In short
Metals are shiny, malleable, ductile and good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals are usually dull, brittle and poor conductors.
Metals form positive ions by losing electrons and make basic oxides. Non-metals form negative ions or share electrons and make acidic oxides. There are exceptions: mercury is a liquid metal, and graphite, a non-metal, conducts electricity. A metal can be hammered into sheets (malleable) or drawn into wires (ductile). Metals also make a ringing sound when struck (sonorous).
Copper is used for electric wires because it is ductile and a very good conductor. Sulfur, a non-metal, is a brittle yellow solid that does not conduct.
Also searched as: physical properties metals, physical properties of metals.
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