Compare the following chemical properties of metals and non-metals. 1) Formation of ions 2) Action with dilute acids 3) Action with hydrogen.

1) Formation of ions. Metals form cations whereas non-metals form anions. 2) Action with dilute acids. Metals react with dilute mineral acid to liberate hydrogen. Non-metals do not react with dilute mineral acids. 3) Action with hydrogen. Metals do not react with hydrogen but non-metals react with hydrogen to form hydrides.