Metals and non-metals react in various ways, leading to the formation of different compounds. These reactions are vital in understanding the chemical behavior of elements and their applications in everyday life.

3.3.1 Reaction of Metals with Non-Metals

Metals typically react with non-metals to form ionic compounds. This occurs through the transfer of electrons from metals to non-metals:

• Formation of Ionic Bonds: Metals, having a tendency to lose electrons, form positive ions (cations), while non-metals gain these electrons to form negative ions (anions). For example:
  • Na + Cl → Na⁺ + Cl^- → NaCl
• Characteristics of Ionic Compounds: The resulting ionic compounds are generally solid at room temperature, have high melting and boiling points, and conduct electricity when dissolved in water.

3.3.2 Reaction of Non-Metals with Metals

When non-metals react with metals, they usually form salts:

• Example of Reaction: When sulfur (S) reacts with iron (Fe), iron sulfide (FeS) is formed:
  • Fe + S → FeS
• Properties of Salts: The salts formed can vary in solubility, taste, and properties depending on the metals and non-metals involved.

3.3.3 Reaction of Non-Metals with Each Other

Non-metals can also react with each other, typically forming covalent compounds through the sharing of electrons:

• Covalent Bond Formation: Non-metals tend to share electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration. For example:
  • H + H → H₂ (hydrogen gas)
  • O + O → O₂ (oxygen gas)
• Characteristics of Covalent Compounds: These compounds usually have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds and do not conduct electricity in solution.

3.3.4 Reactions with Acids

Metals and non-metals react with acids in different ways:

• Metals with Acids: Metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas and a salt. For example:
  • Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
• Non-Metals with Acids: Non-metals generally do not react with acids, although some, like sulfur, can form acids when combined with oxygen.

3.3.5 Displacement Reactions

Displacement reactions can occur between metals and non-metals, where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound:

• Example: When zinc is added to copper sulfate, zinc displaces copper:
  • Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu

3.3.6 Combustion Reactions

Metals and non-metals can also participate in combustion reactions, typically producing oxides:

• Metal Combustion: When magnesium burns in air, it forms magnesium oxide:
  • 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO
• Non-Metal Combustion: Non-metals like carbon combust to produce carbon dioxide:
  • C + O₂ → CO₂