Metals are elements which can for positive ions when they react
They’re towards the bottom and to the left of the periodic table
Most elements in the periodic table are metals
Non-metals are at the far right and top of the periodic table
Non-metals don’t generally form positive ions when they react
The electronic structure of atoms affects how they will react
Atoms generally react to form a full outer shell
* They do this via losing, gaining or sharing electrons
Metals to the left of the periodic table don’t have many electrons to remove
Metals towards the bottom of the periodic table have outer electrons which are a long way from the nucleus
* They feel a weaker attraction
* Both these effects means that not much energy is needed to remove the electrons so it’s feasible for them to either share or gain electrons to get a full outer shell
Metals and non-metals have different physical properties
All metals have metallic bonding which causes them to have similar basic physical properties
* They’re strong but can be bent or hammered into different shapes
* They’re great at conducting heat and electricity
* They have high boiling and melting points
As non-metals don’t have metallic bonding, they don’t tend to exhibit the same properties as metals
* They tend to be dull looking, more brittle, aren’t always solids at room temperature, don’t generally conduct electricity, and often have a lower density
Transition metals can be found between group 2 and group 3
Transition metals are in the centre of the periodic table
Transition metals are typical metals and have the properties you would expect of a proper metal
* They’re good conductors or heat and electricity and they’re very dense, strong and shiny
Transition metals also have some pretty special properties
* Transition metals can have more than one iron
* Copper forms Cu+ and Cu2+ ions
* Cobalt forms Co2+ and Co3+ ions
* Transition metal ions are often coloured, and so compounds that contain them are colourful
* Potassium chromate which yellow and potassium manganate is purple
* Transition metal compounds often make good catalysts
* Nickel based catalysts are used in the hydrogenation of alkenes
* Iron catalyst is used in the haber process for making ammonia