Metals, Nonmetals and Metalloids

We have made tremendous discoveries in the past century and, using these tangible discoveries, moved on to make world-changing inventions. However, in this article, I will be try to clarify primarily the nature and properties of metals and nonmetals and what separates them. On seeing the periodic table, there is apparent domination of the number of metals compared to nonmetals. However, there is another subset between metallic and non-metallic elements, called metalloids, that have properties of both sides. So below, I will differentiate between the three types and see how they are helpful in our everyday life. METALS These are the elements on the left side of the periodic table from Lithium to the zigzagged line that Boron initiates going downwards. Metals make up about 80% of the total periodic table and hence obviously cover most of the periodic table. Metals exhibit some particular properties that set the difference between metals and nonmetals due to their significant representation.

Metals

• They are lustrous, shiny, and therefore reflective
• The metals have high ductility, meaning they can be drawn into wires.

(Exception to this property is Mercury as it is a liquid )

• Metals conduct heat and electricity quite well. This complements its nature of being ductile and therefore is used in wires.

(Exception to this is Sodium, it is very soft, Mercury)

• Metals are very malleable, meaning they can be beaten into sheets.

(Exception to this is Mercury and Sodium)

• Metals are hard

(Exception to this are Sodium, Mercury, and magnesium (Brittle in nature)

Non Metals

Now let us discuss the non-metallic minerals or metals. Lying on the far right of the periodic table (beyond the zigzag partition of Boron) lie the nonmetals. Now there is a significant difference between metals and nonmetals. Non Metals are the exact opposite of the characteristics metals have.

• Nonmetals are terrible conductors of heat and electricity

(Exception is graphite)

• Nonmetals are not ductile and cannot hence be drawn into wires
• Nonmetals are not malleable and cannot be beaten into sheets
• Nonmetals are brittle or in the Gaseous state
• Metals are not shiny but dim, unreflective, and non-lustrous (diamond(carbon) is an exception)

Metalloids

The difference between metals and nonmetals in the periodic table lies on the opposite side of one strange zigzag pattern of elements. These Zigzag patterns of elements are nothing but Metalloids. Metalloids have certain metallic and non-metallic minerals features, making it difficult to characterize them into one of the two categories. Metalloid properties are between the two and a union of their properties, rather than a difference between metals and nonmetals.

• Metalloids are semiconductors of heat and electricity
• Metalloids are brittle, bringing them closer to nonmetals
• Metalloids are similar to metals in appearance, meaning they are more lustrous

Metalloids are closer to nonmetals than metals regarding their physical and chemical properties.

Uses of Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, despite their differences, have significant applications in our everyday lives. Sometimes it is beyond our comprehension how certain puzzles fit. Uses of metals:

1. Metals come in handy in making cookware.
2. Metals are extensively used in the electrical circuits.
3. Metals are essential for security purposes or for safes and other security equipment.
4. Automobile sectors heavily depend on metals for the framework.
5. Metals like Silver, Platinum and Gold are used extensively for jewelry.

Uses of Nonmetals:

1. Nonmetals play a vital role that we may not understand or recognize. Yes, your cooker may be solid iron, but how will you pick it up or move it when it is hot? That’s where a carbon handle comes in.
2. Uses in electrical appliances and electrical circuits for Earthing to prevent shocking.
3. Diamonds which are carbon compressed, are used extensively in jewelry and mining.

Uses of Metalloids:

1. Metalloids are very versatile and therefore cater to many Human needs more efficiently or economically.
2. Silicon is widely used in almost every microchip that exists. This is because the electrical conductivity is excellent.
3. Boron is used to making control rods placed in a nuclear reactor to keep it stable.
4. Germanium is used to make camera lenses.
5. Arsenic-74 has proven to be effective in locating tumors and thermal imaging.

Conclusion

Yes, there are several differences between metals and nonmetals. However, each is very useful to cater to certain human needs.. Each characteristic is different and is needed in someplace or the other. These elements have helped in the creation of various inventions and the technological process that we humans have made. Metalloids possessing both metallic and non-metallic properties are used by us humans almost everywhere. Each of the three (Non metal, metal and Metalloid) is vital and used somehow or the other, we just don’t realize their existence and common use in our daily life.