Notes on metals and non-metals
1. physical properties metals and non-metals(comparison in the table form)
Answers
Metals and Nonmetals are the elements present around us. So, it is important to know whether a particular element is a metal or nonmetal. Materials can be divided into metals and nonmetals. The characteristic feature of metals like copper and aluminium is a high electrical and thermal conductivity, while nonmetals such as phosphorus metal and sulfur are insulators. Elements are distinguished as above based on their properties.
What are Metals?
Majority elements in the periodic table are metals. This includes alkali metals, transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, and alkaline earth metals. Metals are separated by nonmetals on a periodic table through a zigzag line starting from carbon, till radon. The elements between the two are phosphorus, selenium, and iodine.
These elements and elements right to them in the periodic table are nonmetals. Elements present just to the left of the line are termed as semimetals or metalloids. These will have the combined properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Non-metals occupy the upper right-hand portion of the periodic table. Considering the properties of non-metals it is not shiny, malleable or ductile nor are they good conductors of electricity. These properties of non-metals provide one means by which we can distinguish metals from non-metals.
Properties of Non-metals have less in common with each other than metals. Their physical and chemical properties vary widely. Some non-metals are solids and some are gases at room temperature.
What are Nonmetals?
Very few elements in the periodic table are nonmetals. These are present on the right-hand side in the periodic table. Elements that come under nonmetals are sulfur, carbon, all halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen, and noble gases.
In the periodic table, non-metals are located left of the halogens and to the right of the metalloids. Since noble gases and halogens are also nonmetals, these elements are often referred to as non-metals.
Properties of Metals
Physical Properties of Metals
Some of the physical properties of metals are listed below.
Shiny (lustrous) in nature
Metal is a good conductor of electricity and heat
Density and melting point is high
Mouldable (Malleable)
Ductile
At room temperature, it is in solid form except for mercury
Opaque
Chemical Properties of Metals
Some of the chemical properties of metals are listed below.
Easily corrodible
Can lose electrons
Form basic oxides
Have low electronegativities
Good reducing agents
Properties of Non-Metals
Physical Properties of Non-metals
Some of the physical properties of non-metals are listed below.
Poor conductors of electricity and heat
Non-Ductile metals
Brittle solids
Maybe solids, liquids or gases at room temperature
These are not sonorous
Transparent
Chemical Properties of Non-metals
Some of the chemical properties of non-metals are listed below.
The number of electrons in the outer shell is generally 4-8
Easily gain or lose valence electrons
Form acidic oxides whenever they come in contact with oxygen
High electronegative elements
Great oxidizing agents
Nonmetals and metals take different forms (allotropes). They have different shapes and properties. Allotropes are elements that exist in two or more than two different physical forms.
Example 1: A non-metal carbon – two allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite.
Example 2: A metal such as iron – two allotropes of iron are austenite and ferrite
Have a look at the given table depicting the major Difference Between Metals And Nonmetals for better understanding.