metals and non metals

What are Metals?

Metals are elements that are typically good conductors of heat and electricity, are malleable and ductile, and possess a characteristic luster.

List some common physical properties of Metals.

• Lustrous: Have a shiny appearance.
• Good Conductors: Efficiently conduct heat and electricity.
• Malleable: Can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking.
• Ductile: Can be drawn into thin wires.
• High Density: Generally denser than nonmetals.
• High Melting/Boiling Points: Tend to have higher melting and boiling points.
• State at Room Temperature: Mostly solids (except Mercury, which is a liquid).

Give examples of Metals.

Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Aluminum (Al), Sodium (Na).

What are Nonmetals?

Nonmetals are elements that are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, are brittle, and lack metallic luster.

List some common physical properties of Nonmetals.

• Non-lustrous: Have a dull appearance.
• Poor Conductors (Insulators): Do not conduct heat or electricity well (except Graphite, an allotrope of Carbon).
• Brittle: Break easily when hammered or stretched.
• Low Density: Generally less dense than metals.
• Low Melting/Boiling Points: Tend to have lower melting and boiling points.
• State at Room Temperature: Can be solids (Carbon, Sulfur), liquids (Bromine), or gases (Oxygen, Nitrogen).

Give examples of Nonmetals.

Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Carbon (C), Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br).

What is the primary difference in electrical conductivity between metals and nonmetals?

Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals are generally poor conductors (insulators), with some exceptions like graphite.