[Chemistry Class Notes] Metals and Non-metals Pdf for Exam

The periodic table can be segregated broadly into two types of elements, commonly referred to as metals and non-metals. Each of these elements has varying properties and can be found in a wide range of places, such as buildings, bridges, roads, electric cables, cars, mobile phones, laptops, and aircraft. These are also found in the oxygen we breathe and the carbon dioxide we exhale as well.

Metals and Non-metals are elements that exist in our surroundings. So, it is essential to know whether a particular element is either a metal or nonmetal. Materials can be further divided into metals and non-metals. The characteristic feature of metals like aluminium and copper is a high thermal and electrical conductivity, whereas non-metals like sulfur and phosphorus metal are the insulators. These elements are distinguished based on their properties. 

Properties of Metals and Non-metals

Let us have a look at the properties of metals and non-metals.

Metals

Metals are the materials possessing or holding the characteristics of being hard, fusible, shiny, malleable, ductile, and so on. A few examples of metals (materials) are Silver, Gold, Copper, Aluminium, Iron, and many more.

 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Metals

A few of the physical and chemical properties of Metals are given below in a brief manner.

 

Physical Properties of Metals

Malleability: The property of metals by which they may be beaten into thin sheets is malleability. An example is a silver metal beaten to make silver foil used for sweets decoration.

 

Ductility: Ductility is the property of metals by virtue which can be drawn into thin wires. Examples are copper, iron which can be drawn into thin wires.

 

Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. The best conductors of electricity are copper and silver. However, Mercury and lead are poor conductors. Except for Caesium and Gallium, they also have a high melting point.

 

Solid: All the metals are solid, except Mercury. At room temperature, Mercury remains in a liquid state. The exceptional metals are Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), and Mercury. Metals like Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) are easily cut with a knife. Other examples of metals are copper, silver, iron, aluminium, gold, calcium, and more.

 

Chemical Properties of Metals

A few of the chemical properties of metals are listed below.

• Usually, the density of metals is high

• Metals are ductile, malleable 

• Metals forms an alloy with other metals or non-metals

• More metals produce the metal oxide, and highly reactive metals react violently by burning in the oxygen of the air

• Metals like sodium, potassium are stored in oil as they react with air in seconds and are highly reactive

• Less reactive metals like silver, gold, platinum and more do not tarnish easily. They stay lustrous and shiny.

 

Non-Metals

Non-metals do not hold the characteristics of metals; it means they are not hard, shiny, fusible, malleable, ductile, and so on. Many materials like Sulphur, coal are too soft and dull in appearance. They can be broken down into very fine thin powdery mass when tapped with a hammer. They are neither sonorous nor very poor conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metal examples are oxygen, carbon, Sulphur, and more.

 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Non-metals

A few of the physical and chemical properties of non-metals are given below in a brief manner.

 

Physical Properties of Non-metals

• Non-metals may be of solids, liquids, or gases

• Except for Graphite, non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity

• They don’t possess metallic lustre

• Non-metals do not produce a ringing sound and are not sonorous

• Non-metals possess no malleability and are not ductile 

• Except for iodine, they have a dull lustre

• Examples of non-metals are oxygen, carbon, Sulphur, phosphorous, and many more

 

Chemical Properties of Non-metals

A few of the chemical properties of non-metals are listed below.

• Except for Graphite and Gas carbon, non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity

• Non-metals aren’t ductile and malleable unlike metals

• These react more with metals compared to non-metals.

• Non-metals usually react with other non-metals at high temperatures

• Most non-metals don’t react with air at room temperature

• The only non-metal is white phosphorus which reacts with air to form its oxide by burning

 

Differentiate between Metals and Non-Metals

A few of the differences between metal and non-metal are tabulated below.

A Quick Revision: 

In chemistry, Elements can be divided into metals and nonmetals and it is important to know whether a particular element is a metal or nonmetal before performing any chemical research. Metals (like copper and aluminium) are good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals (such as phosphorus and sulfur) are considered insulators. A nonmetal is a chemical element that usually gains electrons when reacting with metal, and which forms an acid if combined with oxygen and hydrogen. Nonmetals display more variety in colour and state than metals do.

Chemistry is really important and efficient for the research and study of living organisms because it helps students and scientists to understand the life processes of every living thing on earth at the molecular level. At any molecular level, every process of life takes place due to the involvement of various minor or major chemical reactions.

Thus, the students need to learn their chapters well and understand all the chemistry concepts by practising with a maximum number of past years’ question papers and sample question papers available on the website. This will help them to understand the time management skill and learn the marking schemes that carry maximum marks and plan which question needs what type of answers. Break down larger portions into smaller effective points and write them down in a separate notebook so it will help you in revising before the exams. Make note of the important questions that keep repeating in the recent past year question papers give more weightage to those questions and prepare a little extra because it might repeat in the current year also. If you have any doubts about the equations and chemical formulations that are taught during the classes then try to spend some extra time in the lab and get to understand all the concepts by trying out the experiments and practising them well. This will help you write your formulas and equations well.