Difference Between Metals And Nonmetals

Metals and Nonmetals are different types of materials present around us. Elements can be divided into metals and nonmetals and it is important to know whether a particular element is a metal or nonmetal. Metals (like copper and aluminium) are good conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals (such as phosphorus and sulfur) are insulators. Materials are distinguished as above, based on their properties.

Table of Content

• What are metals?
• Recommended Video on Metal and non-metal
• What are Non metals?
• Properties of Metals
• Properties of Non-Metals
• Differences Between Metals And Non-metals
• Frequently Asked Questions -FAQs

What are Metals?

Majority elements in the periodic table are metals. This includes alkali metals, transition metals, lanthanides, actinides and alkaline earth metals. Metals are separated by nonmetals on a periodic table through a zigzag line starting from carbon, till radon. The elements between the two are phosphorus, selenium and iodine.

These elements and elements right to them in the periodic table are nonmetals. Elements present just to the left of the line are termed as semimetals or metalloids. These will have the combined properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Recommended Videos on Metals and Non-Metals

Non-metals occupy the upper right-hand portion of the periodic table. Considering the properties of non-metals it is not shiny, malleable or ductile nor are they good conductors of electricity. These properties of non-metals provide one means by which we can distinguish metals from non-metals.

Properties of Non-metals have less in common with each other than metals. Their physical and chemical properties vary widely. Some non-metals are solids and some are gases at room temperature.

What are Non metals?

Very few elements in the periodic table are non-metals. These are present on the right-hand side in the periodic table. Elements that come under non-metals are sulphur, carbon, all halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen and noble gases.

In the periodic table, non-metals are located left of the halogens and to the right of the metalloids. Since noble gases and halogens are also non-metals, these elements are often referred to as non-metals.

Properties of Metals 

Physical Properties of Metals

Some physical properties of metals are listed below.

• Shiny (lustrous) in nature
• Metal is a good conductor of electricity and heat
• Density and melting point is high
• Mouldable (Malleable)
• Ductile
• At room temperature, it is in solid form except for mercury
• Opaque

Chemical Properties of Metals

Some chemical properties of metals are listed below.

• Easily corrodible
• Can lose electrons
• Form basic oxides
• Have low electronegativities
• Good reducing agents

Properties of Non-Metals

Physical Properties of Non-metals

Some physical properties of non-metals are listed below.

• Poor conductors of electricity and heat
• Non-Ductile metals
• Brittle solids
• Maybe solids, liquids or gases at room temperature
• These are not sonorous
• Transparent

Chemical Properties of Non-metals

Some chemical properties of non-metals are listed below.

• The number of electrons in the outer shell is generally 4-8
• Easily gain or lose valence electrons
• Form acidic oxides whenever they come in contact with oxygen
• High electronegative elements
• Great oxidizing agents

Non-metals and metals take different forms (allotropes). They have different shapes and properties. Allotropes are elements that exist in two or more than two different physical forms.

• Example 1: A non-metal carbon – two allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite.
• Example 2: A metal such as iron – two allotropes of iron are austenite and ferrite

Have a look at the given table depicting the major differences between Metals And Non-metals for better understanding.

Differences Between Metals And Non-metals

A reactivity series is a vital tool for chemists. It helps us to understand the properties of metals and the differences between them.