what are metal and non metal
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Answer:
Difference Between Metals And Nonmetals. Metals and Nonmetals are different types of materials present around us. ... Metals (like copper and aluminium) are good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals (such as phosphorus and sulfur) are insulators.
Difference Between Metals And Nonmetals
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.
Properties of Metals
Physical Properties of Metals
Some 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 chemical properties of metals are listed below.
- Easily corrodible
- Can lose electrons
- Form basic oxides
- Have low electronegativities
- Good reducing agents
What are Non metals?
Very few elements in the periodic table are non-metals. These are present on the right-hand side in the periodic table. Elements that come under non-metals are sulphur, 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 non-metals, these elements are often referred to as non-metals.
Properties of Non-Metals
Physical Properties of Non-metals
Some 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 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