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Metals and Non-Metals Overview

Jun 8, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the differences between metals and non-metals, their physical properties, and common uses.

Metals: Characteristics and Properties

  • Metals are hard, malleable, shiny, fusible, and ductile materials.
  • Examples of metals include iron, gold, aluminum, and copper.
  • Malleability: metals can be beaten into thin sheets.
  • Good conductivity: metals allow heat and electricity to pass easily.
  • Sonorous: metals produce ringing sounds when struck.
  • Lustrous: metals have a shiny appearance and reflect light.
  • Ductility: metals can be drawn into wires.

Uses of Metals

  • Used in manufacturing machines, automobiles, airplanes, and cars.
  • Copper is commonly used for making electrical wires.
  • Silver and gold are used for making ornaments.

Non-metals: Characteristics and Properties

  • Non-metals do not have the properties typical of metals.
  • Examples include sulfur, carbon, phosphorus, and oxygen.
  • Solid non-metals are generally brittle or soft; they break into powder when tapped.
  • Exception: diamond is the hardest known non-metal.
  • Poor conductors of heat and electricity (except graphite).
  • Non-metals can exist as solids, liquids, or gases.
  • They lack metallic luster and do not produce ringing sounds (not sonorous).
  • Non-metals are not malleable or ductile.

Uses of Non-metals

  • Oxygen is essential for respiration in living beings.
  • Nitrogen and phosphorus are used as fertilizers to support plant growth.
  • Chlorine is used in water purification.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Metal — A material that is hard, malleable, shiny, fusible, and ductile.
  • Non-metal — A material lacking typical metallic properties like malleability, ductility, and conductivity.
  • Malleability — Ability of a material to be beaten into thin sheets.
  • Conductivity — Ability of a material to allow heat or electricity to pass through.
  • Sonorous — Ability to produce ringing sounds when struck.
  • Lustrous — Shiny appearance due to reflection of light.
  • Ductility — Ability to be drawn into wires.
  • Brittle — Easily broken or powdered when tapped.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Complete the assignment on metals and non-metals.
  • Review examples and properties for each category.