short note on physical properties of metals and non-metals
Answers
Answer:
elements are classified as metals and non-metals based on several chemical and physical properties. However, in this article, we will be dealing with the topic of metals and their properties and further understand why some elements are classified into such category.
What Are Metals?
Metals are the electropositive element where they tend to donate electrons and form positive ions and become stable. For example:
Na → Na+ + e–
Metals also generally have certain distinguishing physical properties that make them easy to identify and classify.
Explanation:
Some of the main physical properties of metals are;
The have lustreand a metallic appearance.
They are usually in the form of a solid at room temperature.
They are very good conductors of electricity and heat.
Metals are malleable and ductile.
They mostly have a very high melting point.
Chemical Properties of Metals Let us look at some of the chemical properties of metals as well.
Reaction Of Metal With Oxygen
Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. Metals donate electrons to oxygen for the formation of metal oxides. For example,
4K + O2 → 2 K2O
Metal oxides are generally basic in nature but it can also be amphoteric in nature. Amphoteric oxides mean that they are acidic as well as basic in nature. Some of the metals like sodium and potassium react vigorously with oxygen. Whenever sodium or potassium is exposed to air it catches fire. Hence, they are kept in kerosene.
Reaction Of Metal With Water
Some of the metals react with water to form metal hydroxide whereas some of them do not react. Reactivity with water differs from metal to metal.