Question

Is Hydrogen a Metal or a Non-Metal?

Answer 1

Hint: In order to answer the above question, we will be discussing the three types of different elements, the metals, nonmetals and metalloids. We will discuss the properties of such elements and then finally, decide if Hydrogen is a metal or a non-metal based on these properties.

Complete step by step solution:
As we all know that an element is the most basic type of matter that cannot be broken down into simpler substances or constructed from simpler substances using conventional chemical or physical methods. We know of $118$ elements, $92$ of which are naturally occurring and the rest have been synthesized artificially. Based on their properties, which are associated with their location in the periodic table, elements are further categorised as metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
We can say that the metals are elements that lose electrons during chemical reactions to form positive ions. Metals, as a result, are electropositive elements with low ionisation energies. They have a bright lustre, are hard, have the ability to resonate sound, and are excellent heat and electricity conductors. Except for Mercury, metals are solids under normal conditions.
In contrast to metals, non-metals are elements that appear to gain electrons and form anions during chemical reactions. These are ionization-energy-rich electronegative elements. They are dull, brittle, and weak heat and electricity conductors (except graphite).
The physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals are as follows:
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

METALS	NON-METALS
Metals usually have one to three electrons in their outer shell.	Non-metals usually have four to eight electrons in their outer shell.
Metals can easily lose their valence electrons	Non-metals can easily gain or share valence electrons.
Metals form oxides that are basic.	Non-metals form oxides that are acidic.
Metals are very good reducing agents.	Non-metals are good oxidizing agents.
Metals possess lower electronegativity.	Non-metals possess higher electronegativity.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

METALS	NON-METALS
Metals are usually good conductors of heat and electricity.	Non-metals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity.
Metals are malleable – can be beaten into thin sheets.	Non-metals are brittle – if a solid
Metals are ductile – can be stretched into wires.	Non-metals are non-ductile.
Metals possess metallic lustre.	Non-metals do not possess metallic lustre.
Metals are opaque as thin sheets.	Non-metals are transparent as a thin sheet.
Metals are usually solid at room temperature.	Non-metals can take the forms of solids, liquids or gases at room temperature.

Now, from all the information that we gathered from above, we will derive a few conclusions regarding Hydrogen.
Hydrogen is the most common substance in the world, and it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. With just one proton and one electron, it is the lightest and simplest. Despite the fact that hydrogen has the same $n{s}^1$ electron structure as alkali metals, it is not a metal since it forms cations $(H^{+})$ more reluctantly than the other alkali metals.
Hydrogen is put above the halogens in the periodic table since it is a non-metal that forms $H^{-}$(hydride anions). Hydrogen, like halogens, can also form $H_2$di-hydrogen. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is not the same as the halogens. The electron affinity of hydrogen is much lower than that of the halogens. Hydrogen atoms form covalent compounds which is in contrast to the alkali metals which form ionic compounds.
We can conclude that, Hydrogen is a not metal.

Note:
It is very important to note that apart from all the contrasting properties of hydrogen from the metals, hydrogen can also behave like a metal at a pressure of about $5,00,000atm$. Such atmospheric pressure is found in the cores of large planets such as Jupiter and Saturn and hence, hydrogen exists as a metal in the interiors of such large planets.