Physical Properties Of Metals And Non-Metals

Key Notes :

Physical Properties of Metals

  • Metals are hard to touch.
  • Metals are lustrous i.e., freshly Cut surfaces of metals have characteristic shining.
  • Metals are malleable; the property of metals by which they can be beaten mW thin sheets is called malleability.
  • Metals are ductile; the property of metal by which it can be drawn into wires is called ductility.
  • Metals are sonorous i.e., metals produce a ringing sound when struck on a hard surface.
  • Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Metals
Metals
  • Metals like sodium and potassium are soft and can be cut with a knife.
  • Mercury is the only metal that is found in the liquid state at room temperature.
Try yourself: The metal which is liquid at room temperature is
a.Sodium
b.Bromine
c.Calcium
d.Mercury

Physical Properties of Non-Metals

  • Non-metals are soft and dull (e.g., coal and sulphur).
  • Non-metals are generally brittle, i.e., they break down into a powdery mass on tapping with a hammer.
  • They are not sonorous.
  • They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
Non-Metals

Metals:

  1. Luster: Metals have a shiny appearance due to their ability to reflect light.
  2. Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
  3. Malleability: Metals can be easily hammered into thin sheets without breaking.
  4. Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
  5. Hardness: Metals are generally hard and strong.
  6. Density: Metals are dense and heavy compared to non-metals.
  7. Melting and Boiling Points: Metals generally have high melting and boiling points.
  8. Solubility: Most metals are not soluble in water.

Non-Metals:

  1. Luster: Non-metals usually do not have a shiny appearance and may be dull or transparent.
  2. Conductivity: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
  3. Brittleness: Non-metals are often brittle and can break easily.
  4. Malleability and Ductility: Non-metals are not malleable or ductile.
  5. Hardness: Non-metals can be soft or hard, depending on the element.
  6. Density: Non-metals are generally less dense than metals.
  7. Melting and Boiling Points: Non-metals generally have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.
  8. Solubility: Some non-metals can dissolve in water, like sulfur and carbon.

Comparison:

  1. Conduction: Metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, while non-metals are poor conductors.
  2. State at Room Temperature: Many metals are solids at room temperature, while some non-metals like hydrogen and helium are gases, and others like bromine are liquids.
  3. Appearance: Metals are usually shiny, while non-metals can be dull, transparent, or have varied appearances.
  4. Texture: Metals are usually smooth, while non-metals can have various textures.
  5. Usage: Metals are often used for making tools, wires, and structures, while non-metals are used for insulators, plastics, and fuels.

Let’s practice!