Physical Properties of Metals and Non-metals

An element is the simplest form of matter that can not be converted into simpler substances or built from simpler substances by any ordinary chemical or pysical method. Elements can further be classified into metals, non-metals and metalloids depending on their properties, which are correlated with their placement in the periodic table. We are aware of the usefulness of the metals and non-metals but we are not that much familiar with their properties. In this article, we will look into the physical properties of metals and non-metals.

Keyterms: Metals, Non-metals, Metalloids, Elements, Sulphur, Carbon, Halogens, Phosphorus, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Selenium, Nitrogen, Noble gases

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Definition

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The physical properties of metals and non-metals are a way of identifying their characteristics. This identification can further help us in recognizing their applications. Various types of elements, metals, and non-metals, are omnipresent in our day-to-day lives and are provided to us by the environment at different stages. Our only concern is to identify them and recognize their optimal applications. The chapter on the physical properties is an intrinsic part of the syllabus of class 9th and 10th. The chapter tries to give a detailed analysis of the prominent characteristics and features of metals and non-metals that will help in developing your understanding and knowledge about the topic. This article will give you a brief overview of the chapter.

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Metals

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The periodic table is majorly composed of metals. The metals therein are separated by non-metals through a zigzag line starting from Carbon to Radon. The elements that exist between the two elements are phosphorus, selenium, and iodine. The elements present on the left-hand side of the periodic table are termed as metals. There are various types of metals such as alkali metals, transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, and alkaline earth metals.

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Non-metals

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The zig-zag elements and the elements existing to the right of them in the periodic table are non-metals. Elements such as sulphur, carbon, all halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen, and noble gases are categorized as non-metals. Therefore, the periodic table has very few elements that are non-metals. The elements that are present in between metals and non-metals are termed semimetals or metalloids. These will have the combined properties of both metals and non-metals.

Metalloids

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Physical Properties of Metals

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The planet Earth is a storehouse of metals. In fact, the entire composition of the inner core of the Earth consists of iron and nickel which are classified as metals. These metals have different characteristics and properties which ultimately make them liable for some specific utilisations. Some of the properties of metals are as follows.

Metals are heavy-weight due to their high density. They also have a very high melting and boiling point because of the stronger bond they carry. The most important property of any metals is that they are a very good conductor of electricity. This is very well exhibited through the application of the copper wires in wiring. Metals could be easily used to conduct the electricity because of the presence of the free negative charges in them. Thus, making it different from non-metals.Metals are also a good conductor of heat. That’s why pots, pans, vessels are made up of metals.

All the metals are generally hard. Although, the intensity of their hardness varies from metal to metal. Due to this property, they can’t be broken easily and hence require a lot of energy and strength for the same, therefore making it difficult to change their shapes. For example, iron is used to make cars, buildings, ships, etc. All the pure metals have shiny surfaces. This gives them the property of metallic lustre. This allows its application in jewelry making such as Gold. Metals do not have flexibility but they have tensile strength. They cannot be stretched. These metals are high on ductility which allows them to be drawn into a thin wire. For instance, gold is very high on ductility as one gram of gold can draw 2 kilometers of a wire.

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Physical Properties of Non-Metals

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We all are very much familiar with the most common non-metals which are oxygen and hydrogen. Although, when the earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago oxygen was absent, but now it has become an important non-metal vital for our existence. Apart from this, various other important non-metals also exist and in order to make their optimum utilization, it is important to understand their physical properties. Non-metals could be found in any state – solid, liquid, or gaseous. They are extremely weak and brittle and sometimes do not possess much weight due to low density. Hence, they tend to easily break or shatter.

Moreover, Non-metals have high ionization energies. And they are also insulators. Unlike metals, non-metals are poor conductors of electricity. This also makes non-metals a poor conductor of heat. They’re poor thermal conductors because they have the property of gaining electrons very easily. They do not shine like metals. Thus, the non-metals are pale and dull. One of the most effective properties of non-metals is that they are capable of forming acidic oxides. Thus, it makes them good oxidizing agents.

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