Metals & Non-Metals
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 4.1.3
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.
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.
- Metals form metal oxides when they react with oxygen. Metal oxides are alkaline.
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.
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.
- Non-metals form non-metal oxides when they react with oxygen. Non-metal oxides are acidic.
Test yourself on Metals & Non-Metals
Metals have high melting and boiling points. What state are most metals in at room temperature?
Properties of non-metals