What are the major differences between metals and non-metals?

Explanation

Metals are electropositive elements and have a tendency to form cations by losing their one or more valence electrons. They act as reducing agents and possess low values of ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity. They form basic oxides. On the other hand, non-metals are electronegative elements and have a tendency to form anions by adding one or more electrons to their valence shell. They act as oxidising agents and have high values of ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity. They form acidic oxides.