Metals and Non-Metals

The elements of the periodic table can be divided into two kinds, which are often referred to as metals and non-metals, according to their chemical properties. Each of these elements has a unique set of features and can be found in a variety of settings, including buildings, bridges, roads, electric wires, automobiles, laptop computers, and aeroplanes, among other things. Additionally, they can be found in the oxygen we breathe as well as the carbon dioxide we exhale as well.

Metals and nonmetals are both elements that can be found in our environment. This makes knowing whether or not a given element is made of metal or nonmetal absolutely necessary. Materials can be further subdivided into two categories: metals and non-metallic materials. Metals such as aluminium and copper have great thermal and electrical conductivity, whereas non-metals such as sulphur and phosphorus metal are insulators, as is the case with most other substances. The qualities of these elements are used to distinguish them from one another.

Metals

Metals are the materials that have or have the qualities of being hard, fusible, lustrous, malleable, ductile, or any combination of these traits. Silver, gold, copper, aluminium, iron, and a variety of other metals (materials) are examples of metals (materials).

Metals Have Specific Physical Characteristics

• Malleability: Malleability is the quality of metals that allows them to be pounded into thin sheets, and it is also known as ductility. An example is a silver metal that has been pounded to make silver foil that is used to decorate confectionery.
• Ductility: Ductility is a feature of metals that allows them to be drawn into thin wires by virtue of their ability to draw. Copper and iron, for example, are both metals that may be drawn into thin wires.
• Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity, and they are used in many applications. Copper and silver are the most effective conductors of electricity. Mercury and lead, on the other hand, are poor conductors. In addition to having a high melting point (with the exception of Caesium and Gallium),
• Solid: All metals, with the exception of Mercury, are solid. Mercury is still in a liquid condition when kept at normal temperature. Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), and Mercury are the metals that stand out from the rest. Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) are both metals that can be easily sliced with a knife. Copper, silver, iron, aluminium, gold, calcium, and other metals are examples of what is known as a metal.

Metals Have Chemical Characteristics

The following are a few examples of the chemical properties of metals.

• Generally speaking, metals have a high density.
• Metals are ductile and malleable in nature.
• Metals combine with other metals or nonmetals to form alloys.
• Increased metal production results in more metal oxide, and highly reactive metals react violently by igniting and burning in the oxygen of the air. Metals such as sodium and potassium, which are highly reactive and react with air in seconds, are stored in oil.

• Silver, gold, platinum, and other less reactive metals do not tarnish as easily as other metals. They retain their lustre and sheen.

Non-Metals

Non-metals do not possess the qualities of metals, which means that they are not hard, lustrous, fusible, malleable, ductile, or any other attribute associated with metals. Many materials, such as sulphur and coal, have an unappealing soft and lifeless look. When tapped with a hammer, they can be reduced to a fine powdery material that is incredibly thin and light. Their sonority is not enhanced by the fact that they are extremely poor conductors of heat and electricity. Oxygen, carbon, sulphur, and other non-metal elements are examples.

Non-metals have unique physical and chemical properties.

Physical Characteristics of Nonmetals:

• Non-metals can be found in the form of solids, liquids, or gases.
• Non-metals, with the exception of graphite, are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
• They do not have a metallic sheen to them.
• Non-metals do not make a ringing sound and do not have a sonorous quality to them.
• Non-metals are not malleable and are not ductile in the same way as metals are.
• With the exception of iodine, they have a dull sheen to them.
• Non-metals include elements such as oxygen, carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, and a host of others.

Non-metal Chemical Properties: 

The following are a few examples of the chemical properties of nonmetals.

• Except for graphite and gas carbon, non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, with the exception of graphite and gas carbon.
• Non-metals, in contrast to metals, are not ductile and malleable.
• When compared to non-metals, these have a stronger reaction with metals.
• The majority of non-metals react with other non-metals when exposed to high temperatures.
• At room temperature, the majority of non-metals do not react with air.
• The only non-metal is white phosphorus, which combines with air to generate its oxide, which is then released by combustion.

Conclusion

Because metals are excellent heat conductors, they are used in the production of machinery and water boilers alike. As a result, we can see the benefits of non-metals: A wide range of non-metals, such as chlorine, sulphur, and iodine, are used for therapeutic purposes. Non-metallic elements such as oxygen are essential for our survival since they allow us to breathe.