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Core Concepts – Properties of MetalsIn this tutorial, you will learn about the properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids (semimetals) as well as examples of metal elements, and nonmetal elements. Topics Covered in Other Articles
VocabularyDuctility – the ability to be drawn into wires Malleability – the ability to be hammered into thin sheets Luster – the quality of reflecting light from the surface and can be polished Introduction to Metals, Metalloids, and NonmetalsAn element is a substance that cannot be broken down into any other substance. In other words, an element is the simplest form of matter. Elements are further classified into metals, non-metals, and metalloids (semimetals). Nonmetals are generally on the upper right side of the periodic table, metals cover most of the remaining area with metalloids in-between them. Properties of MetalsMetals are elements that form positive ions by losing electrons during chemical reactions, except hydrogen. Thus, they are electropositive elements with low ionization energies. Most metals share the properties of being shiny, very dense, and having high melting points. Furthermore, they are ductile, malleable, and lustrous. Metals are also good conductors of heat and electricity. All metals are solids at room temperature, except mercury which is a liquid. Metals generally form ionic bonds with nonmetals, but there are exceptions. Most metals form at least one basic oxide, although some are amphoteric. Metals exhibit a wide range of reactivity. Special groups of metals include the noble metals Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Au, Os, Ir, Ag and the refractory metals Nb, Mo, Ta, W and Re. Metal Properties:
Examples of Metals
Properties of NonmetalsNonmetals are elements that form negative ions by gaining electrons during chemical reactions. Thus, they are electronegative elements with high ionization energies. In general, non-metals are brittle, dull, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to have lower melting points than metals. Most of non-metals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases and solids, except bromine, which exists as a liquid. Examples of Nonmetal Elements
Properties of Metalloids, aka SemimetalsSemimetals, also known as metalloids, have properties of both metals and non-metals. All metalloids are solids. Metalloids can be shiny or dull, but usually have a metallic luster. Some forms of selenium have an amazing, almost space-like sheen. They are brittle, and are typically semi-conductors. Semi-conductors are capable of conducting electricity better than insulator, but not as well as conductors. Metalloids generally have chemical properties similar to non-metals. Most form several different anions with oxygen that make a variety of salts with metals, although the aqueous chemistry of germanium is more limited. They act as metals when reacting with halogens, and as non-metals when reacting with alkali metals. Germanium is heavily used in the semiconductor industry. Some semimetals like selenium and arsenic can be toxic. A selenium speciation machine can measure the amount of selenium present. Five Main Properties of Metalloids
Examples of Metalloids
What are the 5 properties of nonmetals?Five physical properties of non-metals are:. Non-metals are brittle. ... . Non-metals are bad conductors of heat and electricity (except graphite).. Non-metals are non-lustrous (dull) and cannot be polished (except iodine).. Non-metals may be solids, liquids or gases at room temperature.. Non-metals are neither tough nor strong.. What are the 10 properties of nonmetal?Properties of Non-metals. Non-metals cannot be hammered into thin sheets. ... . Non-metals are not ductile. ... . Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.. Non-metals are not lustrous which means they are not shiny. ... . Non-metals have low tensile strength. ... . Non-metals are not sonorous. ... . Non-metals are soft.. What are properties of nonmetals?In the elemental form, non-metals can be gas, liquid or solid. They aren't shiny (lustrous) and they don't conduct heat or electricity well. Usually their melting points are lower than for metals, although there are exceptions. The solids usually break easily, and can't bend like metals.
What are the 4 properties of nonmetals?Physical properties of a non-metal :. State: Non-metals are generally gases at room temperature.. Hardness: Non-metals are not hard (being gases). ... . Conductivity: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity except graphite.. Malleability: Non-metals are non-malleable, i.e., they cannot be beaten into thin sheets.. |