Properties of metals and non-metals
Differences in chemical properties
Most elements are Shiny element that is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms basic oxides.. In their chemical reactions, metal atoms lose Subatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons. to form positive Electrically charged particle, formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons.. For example:
- when magnesium burns in air, each atom loses two electrons to form a Mg2+ ion
- when sodium reacts with chlorine, each sodium atom loses one electron to form a Na+ ion
Elements that do not form positive ions in their chemical reaction are Element that is a poor conductor of electricity and heat, and which forms acidic oxides..
For more information on ions, see the study guide on ions.
The chemical properties of the compounds of metal and non-metal elements are also different:
- most metal oxides are basic
- most non-metal oxides are acidic
Differences in physical properties
Metal and non-metal elements have different A description of the appearance of a substance or how it acts without involving chemical reactions. For example, state, melting point, conductivity, etc.:
- most metals have high melting and boiling points
- most non-metals have low melting and boiling points
The table shows some other differences in physical properties of metals and non-metals, when solid.
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) |
| Good conductor of electricity | Poor conductor of electricity |
| Good conductor of heat | Poor conductor of heat |
| Shiny | Dull |
| High density | Low density |
| Malleable | Brittle |
| Ductile | Brittle |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Good conductor of electricity |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Poor conductor of electricity |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Good conductor of heat |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Poor conductor of heat |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Shiny |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Dull |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | High density |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Low density |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Malleable |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Brittle |
| Properties of a typical metal (when solid) | Ductile |
|---|---|
| Properties of a typical non-metal (when solid) | Brittle |