Properties of Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Metals are located to the left and below the diagonal line in the periodic table.

Properties of Metals Metals are usually solids at room temperature

Mercury is the exception http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31CE2BYicyU

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity

High melting points and boiling points (except Hg)

High densities (except some group 1 metals)

Metals have luster, they are shiny and reflect light

Malleable – can be bent or pounded into sheets

Ductile – can be stretched into wire without breaking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c382ziUpbbc

Wires on a suspension bridge

Nonmetals are located to the right of the stair step line.

Properties of Nonmetals The nonmetals exist in all three of the states of matter at room temperature: gases (such as oxygen) liquids (such as bromine) solids (such as carbon)

Nonmetals are not able to conduct electricity or heat very well.

Nonmetals have much lower melting and boiling points than metals Nonmetals have much lower melting and boiling points than metals. (Consider all of the gases on the non-metal side)

Nonmetals are not nearly as dense as metals.

The nonmetals have no metallic luster, and do not reflect light.

Nonmetallic elements are very brittle, and cannot be rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. Sulfur powder

Hydrogen The Group 1 Nonmetal Most of the hydrogen found in the world is found in water.

Metalloids are located on the staircase line, dividing metals from non metals.

Properties of Metalloids Have a mixture of metallic and nonmetallic properties. Semi-conductors: Can conduct heat and electricity to some extent.

Review Questions 1. Identify the following as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids using their location on the periodic table. (a) silicon (b) fluorine (c) uranium (d) mercury (e) arsenic (f) iridium

2. List three differences in the physical properties between metals and nonmetals. Metals are shiny, malleable and good conductors whereas nonmetals are dull, brittle an insulators.

3. You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, and wires 3. You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, and wires. How could you use these materials to determine if an unknown solid was a metal or a non-metal? Explain (you may also illustrate) how you will test the substance and what results you will look for.