Metals and Non-metals in the Periodic Table

This flashcard set covers the arrangement of the periodic table, the properties of metals versus non-metals, and the significance of groups and periods in relation to electronic structure.

Metals

Elements characterized as being good conductors of heat and electricity, usually shiny and hard solids, with high melting and boiling points, and are malleable.

Malleable

A property of metals meaning they can be moulded and shaped.

Metal conductivity

The ability of metals to conduct electricity because their outer electrons are free to move when in a circuit.

Graphite

A form of carbon and an exception to non-metal rules because it has free electrons and can conduct electricity.

Non-metals

Elements that are poor conductors of heat and electricity, have low melting and boiling points, and are usually gases at room temperature.

Similar properties in groups

Elements in the same group behave in a similar way because they have the same number of outer shell electrons.

Number of electron shells

The specific value that indicates which period an element is in.

Number of outer shell electrons

The specific value that indicates which group an element is in.

Group 1

The group of elements known as the Alkali metals.

Group 2

The group of elements known as the Alkali earth metals.

Transition metals

The large block of metallic elements located between Group $2$ and Group $13$ ($3$ in some systems) on the periodic table.

Group 7

The group of elements known as the Halogens.

Group 0

The group of elements known as the Noble gasses.

Periods

The $7$ horizontal rows on the periodic table; elements within the same row have the same number of electron shells.