Metals and Non Metals

Metals

• Metals are defined as those materials which have the characteristics of being shiny, hard, ductile, fusible, malleable, etc.
• Examples are iron, silver, gold, copper, aluminum, etc.

Physical properties of metals

Malleability

• This property of metals allows it to get beaten into thin sheets.
• It is used in the silver foils which are used to decorate sweets and aluminium foils which are used to wrap food.

Conductivity

• Current and heat pass through the metals easily by conductivity.
• Examples are nail, copper, iron rod, etc.

Ductility

• This property makes the metals drawn into the wires.

Sonorous

• When metals are hit they produce ringing sounds due to this property.

Lustrous

• When metals shine and are sufficient to reflect incident light, it becomes possible due to the lustrous property of metals.

Non - Metals

• When metals do not possess such characteristics of metals then they are termed as Non-Metals.
• Nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity and heat and are non-sonorous.
• Examples are carbon, oxygen, sulphur, etc.

Chemical Properties for metals and nonmetals

1. Reaction with oxygen

• For Metals

When oxygen and metals react, metallic oxides are formed.

• For non-metals

Oxides are produced when non-metals react with oxygen

 2. Reaction with water

• For metals

Line in case of sodium, some metals with water react vigorously. But some metals react slowly like in the case of iron.

• For non-metals

Most of the non-metals do not react with water but still, there are some non-metals which react a little in the air like phosphorus. It is usually kept in water to prevent an explosion.

Application of metals

• These are generally used in making automobiles, machines, cars, aeroplanes, satellites, etc.
• Some metals are also used to make wires like copper, etc.
• Ornaments like silver, gold, etc. are also made from metals.

Application of non-metals

• A very important non-metal is oxygen which is necessary for the survival of all the living beings.
• Nonmetals are also used as fertilizers to induce the growth of plants.
• Nonmetals are used as antiseptic.
• Crackers are made up of nonmetals.

Recap

• Metals are defined as those materials which have the characteristics of being shiny, hard, ductile, fusible, malleable, etc.
• Examples are iron, silver, gold, copper, aluminium, etc.
• When metals do not possess such characteristics of metals then they are termed as Non-Metals.
• Nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity and heat and are non-sonorous.
• Examples are carbon, oxygen, sulphur, etc.