Classify Metals & Non-Metals

Metals

Elements on the left and centre of the periodic table

Non‑metals

Elements on the right side of the periodic table

Metalloids

Elements with properties of both metals and non‑metals

Appearance of metals

Shiny when polished

Appearance of non‑metals

Dull

Conductivity of metals

Good conductors of heat and electricity

Conductivity of non‑metals

Poor conductors (insulators)

State of metals

Mostly solids at room temperature

State of non‑metals

Solids, liquids, or gases

Malleability of metals

Can be hammered into shape

Brittleness of non‑metals

Break easily when solid

Melting/boiling points of metals

Generally high

Melting/boiling points of non‑metals

Generally low

Density of metals

Usually high

Density of non‑metals

Usually low

Chemical behaviour of metals

Form positive ions by losing electrons

Chemical behaviour of non‑metals

Form negative ions by gaining electrons

Oxides of metals

Basic oxides

Oxides of non‑metals

Acidic oxides

Example of metal

Iron

Example of non‑metal

Sulfur

Example of metalloid

Silicon