Properties of Metals & Non-Metals
Science: KS3, topic 2.4.7
Metals and Non-Metals
The elements of the periodic table can be metals or non-metals. There are more metals than non-metals. In the periodic table below, metals are red and non-metals are green.
%20(1)-min,w_800.jpg)
Metals
- Metals are found on the left of the periodic table.
- Metals have few electrons in their outer shell.
Metal reactions
- When metals react, they lose 1 or more electrons.
- The electrons are negatively charged.
- Losing electrons forms positively charged ions.
- Metals often react with oxygen to form oxides.
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.
Non-metals
- Non-metals are found on the right of the periodic table.
- Non-metals have many electrons in their outer shell.
Non-metal reactions
- 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.
Test yourself on Properties of Metals & Non-Metals
Metals have high melting and boiling points. What state are most metals in at room temperature?
Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. What happens to the electrons in the metal atoms during this reaction?