Physical and Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the physical and chemical properties, uses, and extraction processes of metals and non-metals.

Periodic Table

A table of the chemical elements arranged by atomic number, where elements are grouped by shared properties, namely metals and non-metals.

Metalloids

Elements that have properties of both metals and non-metals.

Delocalised Electrons

Electrons in metals that are free to move and conduct electricity.

Malleable

The ability of a material (usually metals) to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

Ductile

The ability of a material (usually metals) to be stretched into wires.

Electrostatic Attraction

The force between charged particles; in metals, it refers to the attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons.

Metallic Bond

The bond that results from the electrostatic attraction between metal ions and delocalised electrons.

Non-Metals

Elements that generally do not conduct heat and electricity and are usually brittle when solid.

Graphite Exception

The only non-metal that can conduct electricity due to its structure.

Reactivity Series

A list that ranks metals by their reactivity based on their reactions with water and acids.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons by a substance, often involving a reaction with oxygen.

Hydrated Iron(III) Oxide

The compound commonly known as rust, formed when iron reacts with oxygen and water.

Sacrificial Protection

A method of protecting a less reactive metal from corrosion by attaching a more reactive metal.

Electrolysis

A process that uses electricity to break down compounds into their elements, often used for extracting metals.

Native Metals

Very unreactive metals that can be found in their pure, uncombined form, such as gold and platinum.

Blast Furnace

A large container where iron ore is extracted from its ore using carbon, heat, and limestone.

Bauxite

The main ore of aluminium, containing aluminium oxide.

Oxidation-Reduction Reaction

A type of reaction where electrons are transferred from one substance to another, involving oxidation and reduction.