Metals and Non Metals
1. Metals
Metals make up about 80% of all known elements. They are typically found on the left and middle sections of the periodic table.
Physical Properties
State: Mostly solids at room temperature (except for Mercury, which is liquid).
Lustre: They have a shiny surface when polished.
Malleability: They can be hammered into thin sheets (Gold is the most malleable).
Ductility: They can be drawn into thin wires.
Conductivity: Excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
Sonorous: They produce a ringing sound when struck.
Density: Generally high density and high melting/boiling points.
Chemical Properties
Electron Donors: Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions (cations).
Oxides: They form basic oxides (e.g., Magnesium Oxide, $MgO$).
Reaction with Water: Most metals react with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.
2. Non-Metals
Non-metals are much fewer in number and are located on the upper right side of the periodic table (with the exception of Hydrogen).
Physical Properties
State: Can be solids, liquids (Bromine), or gases at room temperature.
Lustre: Generally dull; they do not reflect light well (exception: Iodine and Diamond).
Brittleness: Solid non-metals are brittle and break when hammered; they are neither malleable nor ductile.
Conductivity: Poor conductors of heat and electricity (exception: Graphite, which conducts electricity).
Density: Generally low density and low melting points.
Chemical Properties
Electron Acceptors: Non-metals tend to gain or share electrons to form negative ions (anions).
Oxides: They form acidic or neutral oxides (e.g., Carbon Dioxide, $CO_2$).
Reaction with Water: Generally, non-metals do not react with water.
QUESTIONS
What is Lustre
what is malleability
what is ductility
what is conductivity
what is sonorous