Metals vs. Non-metals

To the right of and above the zigzag line are the non-metals. A zigzag line divides the periodic table into two categories.  To the left of and below the zigzag line are the metals.

Metals vs. Non-metals METALS Light that strikes metals is reflected in one direction (like a mirror). This makes metals look shiny. Metals are said to be “lustrous”. NON-METALS Light that strikes non-metals is reflected in many directions. This makes non-metals look dull and unreflective. Non-metals are said to “lack luster”.

Metals vs. Non-metals METALS Metals are usually solid at room temperature. This means most metals have high melting points. Metals have very high boiling points. What is the exception? What metal is liquid at room temperature? NON-METALS Non-metals are often gases, but can be solid at room temperature. This means many non- metals have low boiling points and very low freezing points. What non-metal is liquid at room temperature?

Metals vs. Non-metals METALS Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. This means heat and electricity travel easily through them. Metals are used make electric wires and cooking pots. NON-METALS Non-metals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity. They are used as insulators like wooden spoons or the plastic coating on wires. Some non-metals conduct well in the right conditions (e.g. graphite, selenium).

Metals vs. Non-metals METALS Metals are malleable and ductile. Malleable means it can be shaped with a hammer. Ductile means it can be pulled or “drawn” into a wire. NON-METALS Non-metallic solids are brittle. They break if struck with a hammer. They will break rather than stretch into wire.

Metals vs. Non-metals METALS Metals are dense. Most metals will not float in water. Metals are sonorous. They “ring” like a bell when struck. NON-METALS Non-metals are often low- density. Only one non-metal is more dense than iron. Non-metals are not sonorous. They do not “ring”.