CHEMISTRY- Reactivity Series

The learner demonstrates an understanding of the structure of atoms, appreciates the diversity of the elements and how their properties change across the periods and groups in the Periodic Table.

A metal

is a substance that loses electrons to form positive ions in chemical reactions.

A non metal

is a substance that gains electrons to form negative ions

Properties of Metals

hard, lustrous, malleable and ductile

Properties of Non metals

dull, poor thermal conductors, poor electric conductors and have low boiling points

Environmental impact of metals and non metals

When poorly disposed, metals/non metals may end up in the soil and block soil aeration and drainage, leading to soil infertility

When poorly disposed, metals/ nonmetals may end up in water bodies where they may choke or poison aquatic animals, leading to their death

Mitigations to the impacts

This can be mitigated by properly disposing metals/nonmetals after use

This can be mitigated by recycling metals/nonmetals

Alloys

Are mixtures of 2 or more metals or a metal and a non metal, carbon

Properties of Steel

Hard, malleable, ductile, strong and conductive

Properties of stainless steel

Malleable, Durable, Corrosion resistant and Strong

Properties of Solder

Ductile, low melting point, electrically conductive and strength

Properties of Bronze

durable, electrically conductive, ductile and malleable

Properties of brass

ductile, strong, good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance