Physical and Chemical Properties of Elements

To clear the IIT-JEE exam, students need to put in dedicated efforts and have proper planning. Along with the IIT Mains examination syllabus, the class 12th syllabus plays a significant role in shaping the student’s future. Therefore, a thorough understanding of every concept is a must. 

This guide will explain some important physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals. So, if you’re facing difficulties or want to start the preparation process, our guide will answer all your questions.

The Periodic Table

A periodic table is a group of tables consisting of an arrangement of elements based on each of their chemical properties. In the periodic table, all metals are featured on the left-hand side, whereas the right side of the periodic table has all the non-metals. The rows in the periodic table are known as periods, whereas the columns are referred to as groups. There are 92 elements in total, out of which 22 are non-metals, whereas the rest 70 are metals.

For better understanding, below we have listed the first 30 elements in the periodic table along with their atomic numbers and electronic configuration:

Metals

From the first 30 elements of the periodic table, it can be seen that metals are in the majority as compared to non-metals. There are several kinds of metals, including:

• Alkali metals

• Alkali earth metals

• Transition metals

• Lanthanides

• Actinides

Physical Properties of Metals

The following are the physical properties of metals:

• Metals can be beaten into thin sheets, which means they are extremely malleable in nature. Typical examples are gold, silver, and aluminum, beaten rigorously into thin sheets to produce ornaments.

• All metals are present in their solid form except mercury which is present in the liquid state.

• Metals are naturally shiny in nature; therefore, these are used to make precious ornaments, jewellery, and kitchenware.

• Metals are a great conductor of both electricity and heat; therefore, heat and electricity can easily pass through metals without causing any external or internal damage.

• Since metals are ductile in nature, they can be easily stretched into wires as thin as possible. Common examples are aluminum wires and copper wires.

• Metals are exceptionally heavy and hard except potassium and sodium, easily cut through knives.

• Every time they hit an object, they produce a sound which means metals are sonorous.

Chemical Properties of Metals

The following are the chemical properties of metals:

• Every time metals come in direct contact with oxygen, they produce metal oxides.

• Metals have fewer electrons as they tend to lose them.

• Metals tend to corrode fast and easily.

• Metals are electro-positive elements.

• Metals are great for reducing agents.

Comparison Between Physical Properties of Metals and Non-metals

Non-metals

Metals that do not possess the properties of metals are termed non-metals. Compared to metals that are 70, the number of non-metals in the periodic table is exceptionally low, that is, 22. Some non-metals are:

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

• Phosphorus

• Selenium

• Nitrogen

• Oxygen

• All halogens

• Sulfur

• Noble gasses

Physical Properties of Non-metals

The following are the physical properties of non-metals:

• When non-metal is beaten into thin sheets, they tend to break into pieces. Some common examples are phosphorus and sulfur.

• When kept at room temperature, the non-metals can be in all states, including solid, gaseous, and liquid.

• Non-metals are non-sonorous, so they do not produce any sound when beaten or hit by other objects.

• Unlike metals, non-metals are not ductile, which means they can be transformed into thin wires.

• Lastly, non-metals can be transparent.

Chemical Properties of Non-metals

The following are the chemical properties of non-metals:

• Unlike metals, non-metals have a high number of electrons in the outer shell, around 4-8 electrons.

• Every time a non-metal comes in direct contact with oxygen, it produces acidic oxides.

• These are great oxidising agents and do not react when mixed with water.

• Non-metals are electronegative elements.

• Non-metals gain valence electrons.

Comparison Between Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-metals

Conclusion 

Physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals are among the basic and most important concepts while preparing to appear in competitive examination. Over the past 10 years, a decent amount of questions have been asked from this chapter, which means it holds a lot of significance in every student’s life aiming to score higher grades.