Metals and Non-Metals
Subject: Science (Chemistry) | Topic: Metals and Non-Metals
For TLT, ECT, PST, JEST & All Competitive Exams
We have already seen in the Periodic Table that elements are broadly classified into Metals, Non-Metals, and Metalloids. Now let's look closely at the two largest categories — Metals and Non-Metals — and understand what makes them so different in their physical and chemical properties. This topic is regularly tested in TLT, ECT, PST, and JEST exams.
What are Metals?
Metals are elements that are generally shiny, hard, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Most metals are solid at room temperature (except mercury, which is liquid). Common examples include Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), and Aluminum (Al).
What are Non-Metals?
Non-Metals are elements that are generally dull, brittle (if solid), and poor conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals can exist as solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature. Common examples include Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), Carbon (C), and Bromine (Br, a liquid).
Metals vs Non-Metals
Physical Properties Comparison
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny (lustrous) | Dull (except a few like iodine) |
| State at Room Temperature | Mostly solid (except mercury) | Solid, liquid, or gas |
| Malleability | Malleable (can be hammered into sheets) | Not malleable (brittle if solid) |
| Ductility | Ductile (can be drawn into wires) | Not ductile |
| Conductivity | Good conductors of heat and electricity | Poor conductors (except graphite) |
| Density | Generally high | Generally low |
| Sonorous (sound) | Produce a ringing sound when struck | Do not produce a ringing sound |
Chemical Properties
- Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions (cations), and their oxides are generally basic.
- Non-Metals tend to gain electrons to form negative ions (anions), and their oxides are generally acidic.
- Metals react with acids to release hydrogen gas, while most non-metals do not react with dilute acids in this way.
Common Uses of Metals and Non-Metals
| Element | Type | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Metal | Construction, tools, machinery |
| Copper (Cu) | Metal | Electrical wiring |
| Aluminum (Al) | Metal | Utensils, aircraft bodies |
| Oxygen (O) | Non-Metal | Breathing, combustion |
| Carbon (C) | Non-Metal | Fuels, pencils (graphite), diamonds |
Why This Topic Matters
Metals and Non-Metals connect closely to earlier topics like Chemical Bonding, Periodic Table, and Chemical Reactions, and their properties explain why certain materials are chosen for specific everyday and industrial uses. This makes it a frequently repeated and practical topic in TLT, ECT, PST, and JEST exams.
Practice MCQs
1. Which of the following is a property of metals?
a) Dull b) Malleable c) Poor conductor d) Brittle
2. Which of the following is a liquid metal at room temperature?
a) Iron b) Mercury c) Copper d) Gold
3. Non-metals generally tend to:
a) Lose electrons b) Gain electrons c) Neither gain nor lose d) Share protons
4. Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity even though it is a non-metal?
a) Sulfur b) Graphite c) Oxygen d) Nitrogen
5. Which of the following elements is a non-metal used for breathing and combustion?
a) Iron b) Oxygen c) Copper d) Aluminum
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