Metals, non-metals, and metalloids are different elements with different identities and properties. The metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, and they can also be converted into thin sheets and long wires as they are malleable and ductile. Multiple types of metals are there, which remain in their solid state at room temperature and have a silver shine too. However, mercury is a type of metal that is in liquid form.
The non-metals are generally bad at conducting electricity and heat. They don’t have a ductile or malleable nature. Moreover, some non-metals are in the gaseous form at room temperature, whereas others are in the liquid or solid-state.
Last but not least, metalloids usually have intermediate properties. They act more like non-metal in their physical properties, but in some rare cases, they can conduct electricity. That’s why these are also called semiconductors, and they are also used in computers, electronics, motors, etc.
The difference in Metals, Metalloids, & Non-metals
Metals are generally high in conductivity with less amount of ionisation energy. Whereas the metalloids fall between the metal and non-metals. Furthermore, the non-metals have high ionisation energy and low conductivity of heat and electricity.Heat Conductivity
The metals have the highest conductivity of heat, the metalloids have a medium capacity to conduct the heat, and the non-metals are poor when it comes to heat conductivity.Ionisation Energy
The metals have less ionisation energy, metalloids have a medium ionisation energy level, while the non-metals are high in ionisation energy.Electrical Conductivity
The metals are good conductors of electricity, metalloids can be a conductor of electricity in some rare cases, and that’s the reason it is also called semiconductors. Moreover, the non-metals are bad conductors of electricity.Position in the Periodic Table
- Metals are present on the left side of the periodic table
- Non-metals are on the right in the periodic table
- Metalloids are in the centre of the periodic table
Location in Blocks
- Metals are present in s, p, d, and f blocks
- Non-metals are present in s and p blocks
- Metalloids are present in the p block
Appearance
- Metals are shiny
- Non-metals are dull
- Metalloids are shiny as well as dull at the same time