Question

The density of metals is ________ when compared with non-metals.
A. High
B. Low
C. Same
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: We should know that non-metals, on the right side of the periodic table, are very different from metals. Atoms are arranged like closely packed spheres in metals. Metals have tightly packed crystal lattice. We should not forget that non-metals are either liquids or gases at normal temperature.

Complete step-by-step answer:
We should know that metals account for about two thirds of all the elements and about 24% of the mass of the planet. We know that metals are all around us in such forms as steel structures, copper wires, aluminium foil, and gold jewellery. Metals are widely used because of their properties: strength, ductility, high melting point, thermal and electrical conductivity, and toughness. To form the strongest metallic bonds, metals are packed together as closely as possible. We should know that above their melting point, metals are liquids, and their atoms are randomly arranged and relatively free to move. However, when cooled below their melting point, metals rearrange to form ordered, crystalline structures.
In the case of non-metals we should know that it is a chemical element that mostly lacks the characteristics of a metal. We know that Non-metals generally exist in gaseous or liquid form. The bonding between their molecules is generally weak London or dispersion forces due to which there are less forces of attraction. Also they don’t have definitive packing like metals. Apart from diamonds, there is no specific packing in the non-metals. Due to which the volume is quite high and in turn low density.
We should know that metals have high density and are very heavy. Iridium and osmium have the highest densities whereas lithium has the lowest density. From the above discussion, we came to know that the density of metals is higher than non-metals. And this is because of metallic structure. So, now we know our answer and that is option A.

Note: We should know some other properties of metals and non-metals.
We should know that metals are solids at room temperature with the exception of mercury, which is liquid at room temperature and non-metals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases (oxygen) and solids (carbon). Only bromine exists as a liquid at room temperature.
We know that metals have the quality of reflecting light from their surface and can be polished as an example: gold, silver and copper but non-metals have no metallic lustre and do not reflect light.
The melting points of non-metals are generally lower than metals, but are highly variable.