Chapter 3

Metals & Non metals

Introduction

Elements are classified as metals and non-metals based on different properties. The properties of metals and non-metals are given in the form of the table below-

Physical Properties of Metals

(i) They are lustrous, i.e., they have a shiny surface.
(ii) All metals are solids except mercury which is liquid at room temperature.
(iii) Metals are ductile which means they can be drawn into wires.
(iv)Metals are malleable which means they can be beaten into sheets. The only exception is mercury.
(v) They are good conductors of heat and electricity except lead and mercury.
(vi)They have high density and high melting point except alkali metals like lithium, sodium, potassium is so soft that they can be cut with a knife.

Physical Properties of Non-metals

(i) They are non-lustrous and have dull appearance except graphite and iodine that are lustrous.
(ii) They are generally soft, except diamond.
(iii) They are non-ductile.
(iv)They are non-malleable.
(v) They are poor conductors of heat and electricity except graphite which is a good conductor of electricity
(vi)They have low density and low melting point except diamond which has high melting point.