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

Explanation

Elements which have a strong tendency to lose electrons to forem cations are called metals while those which have a strong tendency to accept electrons to form anions are called non-metals. Thus, metals are strong reducing agents, they have low ionisation enthalpies, have less negative electron gain enthalpies, low `EN`, form basic oxides and ionic compounds.
Non-metals, on the other hand, are strong oxidising agents, they have high ionisation enthalpies, have high negative electron gain enthalpes, high `EN`, form acidic oxides and covalent compounds.