Metals and non-metals will react with oxygen to form oxides. When the oxides are tested with universal indicator the have different properties.
Metal oxides are alkaline.
Non-metal oxides are acidic.
Here is a power point
Watch this video on metals reacting with oxygen
Watch this video on non-metals reacting with oxygen
BBC Bitesize shows the difference between the chemical properties of metals & non-metals when they react with oxygen: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqd2mp3/revision/4