Metals and Non-Metals

Most elements are metals

• 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

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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

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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

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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

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