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An Introduction to Metals and Non-Metals
Metals and non-metals are different materials that we come across in our everyday life. They’re elements, with metals like copper being good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals like phosphorus are insulators. Scientists categorized materials based on their properties, helping students learn chemistry better. This led to the periodic table arrangement of metals and non-metals.
Metals
Metals make up most of the elements on the periodic table. They include alkali metals, lanthanides, actinides, transition metals, and alkaline earth metals. You can find them on the periodic table, separated from nonmetals by a line that goes from carbon to radon. Phosphorus, selenium, and iodine are the elements that set metals apart from nonmetals.
Non Metals
Non-metals make up about half of the periodic table, and they are located on the right side. Examples of non-metals include sulfur, carbon, halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen, and noble gases. One interesting non-metal is bromine, which is unique because it’s a non-metal that’s in liquid form at room temperature.
Periodic Table Metals and Non-metals Positions
In the periodic table, there are metals and nonmetals. The pink section represents nonmetals, and the blue part represents metals. Some nonmetals like diamonds and iodine shine, and fluorine is the most reactive among them. Bromine is a nonmetal that stays in liquid form at room temperature.
Physical Properties of Metals
- Luster: Metals typically have a shiny or metallic luster, which means they reflect light well. This property makes them appear bright and attractive.
- Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. This property is why metals like copper and aluminum are used in electrical wiring and cooking utensils.
- Malleability: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. This property is known as malleability, and it allows metals to be shaped into various forms.
- Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires without breaking. This property is called ductility and is crucial for making wires and cables.
- High Melting and Boiling Points: Metals generally have high melting and boiling points, which means they remain solid at high temperatures. This property makes them suitable for use in high-temperature applications, such as engines and industrial furnaces.
Physical Properties of Non-Metals
- State at Room Temperature: Most non-metals are found in gaseous or solid states at room temperature. For example, hydrogen and oxygen are gases, while sulfur is a solid.
- Dull Appearance: Non-metals generally have a dull or non-shiny appearance. Unlike metals, they do not reflect light well.
- Poor Conductors: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity. They do not allow the flow of heat or electricity through them easily.
- Low Density: Non-metals typically have lower densities compared to metals. This means that they are lighter for the same volume.
- Brittle: Many non-metals are brittle and can easily break or shatter when subjected to stress or pressure. For example, sulfur and phosphorus are brittle non-metals.
Difference Between Metals and Non-Metals
| Characteristic | Metals | Non-Metals |
| Conductivity of Heat and Electricity | Good conductors | Poor conductors or insulators |
| Physical State at Room Temperature | Typically solid (except mercury) | Can be solid, liquid, or gas |
| Malleability and Ductility | Malleable (can be hammered into sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires) | Generally brittle and not ductile |
| Luster | Shiny or metallic luster | Dull appearance |
| Reaction with Oxygen | Tend to form basic oxides | Tend to form acidic or neutral oxides |
Also Read
FAQs on Metals and Non-Metals
What is a metal and a non metal?
Metals are elements that typically have properties like good conductivity, malleability, and luster, while nonmetals lack these characteristics.
What defines a non metal?
Nonmetals are defined by their poor conductivity, brittleness, and lack of metallic luster.
What are metals and nonmetals examples?
Examples of metals include iron, copper, and gold, while nonmetals include elements like oxygen, sulfur, and carbon.
What is called metal?
Any element that exhibits metallic properties, such as being a good conductor, is called a metal.
What are types of metals?
There are several types of metals, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and more, each with its own set of characteristics.
