1.2.7

Metals & Non-Metals

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Metals and Non-metals

The elements in the periodic table can be roughly divided into metals and non-metals. There are more metals than non-metals in the periodic table. In the periodic table below, metals are red and non-metals are green.

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Metals

  • Metals are found on the left of the periodic table because they have few electrons in their outer shell.
  • When metals react, they lose 1 or more of these negatively charged electrons to form positively charged ions.
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Properties of metals

  • Metals have high melting and boiling points.
  • Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
  • Metals are all solids (except for mercury) at room temperature.
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Non-metals

  • Non-metals are found on the right of the periodic table because they have many electrons in their outer shell.
  • When non-metals react, they either:
    • Gain electrons to form negatively charged ions.
    • Or share electrons to form neutral molecules.
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Properties of non-metals

  • Non-metals have lower melting and boiling points than metals.
  • Non-metals are often found as gases.
  • Non-metals generally do NOT conduct heat or electricity.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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