Grade 6
  1. Introduction to Chemistry  1.1. What is Chemistry?  1.2. Importance of chemistry in daily life  1.3. Branches of chemistry  1.4. Safety rules in chemistry laboratory  1.5. Common Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses
  2. Matter and its states  2.1. Definition of Matter  2.2. Properties of matter  2.3. States of matter  2.4. Solid state  2.5. Fluid state  2.6. Gaseous state  2.7. Plasma state  2.8. Changes in the states of matter  2.9. Melting and freezing  2.10. Evaporation and Condensation  2.11. Sublimation  2.12. Deposit
  3. Physical and chemical changes  3.1. Definition of Physical Change  3.2. Examples of physical change  3.3. Definition of Chemical Change  3.4. Examples of chemical change  3.5. Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes  3.6. Indicators of Chemical Change
  4. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures  4.1. Definition of the element  4.2. Classification of elements  4.3. Metals  4.4. Non metallic  4.5. Metalloids  4.6. Noble gases  4.7. Definition of compound  4.8. Properties of Compounds  4.9. Definition of Mixture  4.10. Types of mixtures  4.11. Homogeneous mixture  4.12. Heterogeneous mixtures
  5. Separation of mixtures  5.1. The need for isolation  5.2. Separation methods  5.3. Handpicking and winnowing  5.4. Filtration  5.5. Sedimentation and decantation  5.6. Evaporation  5.7. Crystallization  5.8. Distillation  5.9. Magnetic Separation  5.10. Chromatography
  6. Air and its composition  6.1. Components of air  6.2. Importance of Oxygen  6.3. The importance of nitrogen in the air and its composition  6.4. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere  6.5. The role of water vapor and other gases in air and its composition  6.6. Properties of Air  6.7. Uses of air  6.8. Air pollution and its effects
  7. Water and its properties  7.1. Importance of Water  7.2. Sources of water  7.3. Properties of water  7.4. Water as the universal solvent  7.5. Water Purification  7.6. Water purification methods (boiling, filtration, chlorination)  7.7. Water cycle  7.8. Water conservation  7.9. Water pollution and its effects
  8. Acids, Bases and Salts  8.1. Definition of Acid  8.2. Properties of Acids  8.3. Examples of Acids  8.4. Definition of Bases  8.5. Properties of bases  8.6. Examples of Bases  8.7. Definition of Salt  8.8. Neutralization reaction  8.9. pH Scale and Indicators  8.10. Uses of Acids, Bases and Salts
  9. Introduction to the Periodic Table  9.1. History of the Periodic Table  9.2. Arrangement of elements in the periodic table  9.3. Groups and periods  9.4. Importance of periodic table  9.5. First 10 elements and their symbols
  10. Metals and Nonmetals  10.1. Properties of Metals  10.2. Properties of Non-Metals  10.3. Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals  10.4. Uses of metals and nonmetals  10.5. Corrosion of metals and its prevention
  11. chemical reactions  11.1. Introduction to Chemical Reactions  11.2. Types of Chemical Reactions  11.3. combustion reaction  11.4. Oxidation and Reduction  11.5. Simple chemical equations  11.6. Rusting of iron
  12. Fuel and energy  12.1. Types of fuel  12.2. Fossil fuels  12.3. Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy  12.4. Energy Conservation  12.5. Alternative sources of energy (solar, wind, hydropower)
  13. Plastic and fiber  13.1. Natural and synthetic fibers  13.2. Properties of plastics  13.3. Advantages and disadvantages of plastic  13.4. Recycling of plastic  13.5. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials

Grade 6 ↓


Metals and Nonmetals


Chemistry is a fascinating subject that helps us understand the world around us. An important part of chemistry is learning about the different types of substances. Today, we will explore the amazing world of metals and nonmetals. These two groups have unique properties that make them useful in many ways. Let's learn what makes them different and how they are important in our daily lives.

What are metals?

Metals are a group of substances known for their shiny appearance and ability to conduct electricity and heat. Most metals are solid at room temperature, except for mercury, which is a liquid. Some common examples of metals include iron, gold, silver, copper, and aluminum.

Properties of metals

  • Lustre: Metals have a lustrous appearance called lustre. This lustre makes metals such as gold and silver highly valued for jewellery making.
  • Malleable: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. For example, aluminum foil is made by rolling aluminum into very thin sheets.
  • Ductile: Metals can be drawn into wires. Copper wires are commonly used in electrical wiring due to this property.
  • Good conductors: Metals conduct electricity and heat well. This is why copper and aluminum are used to make electrical cables.
  • High melting and boiling points: Generally, metals have high melting and boiling points, which means they do not melt or boil easily. The melting point of iron is 1538°C.
  • Sonorous: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck. Due to this property they are used in musical instruments like bells.

Visual example of a metal atom

Let's imagine a simple model of a metal atom:

M

This diagram shows a basic metal atom. The letter "M" stands for metal. The circular shape shows the general arrangement of atoms in the metal structure.

Uses of metals

Because of their useful properties, metals are used in a variety of applications:

  • Construction: Metals such as steel and aluminum are used in the construction of structures such as bridges and buildings because they are strong and durable.
  • Transportation: Metals are used to make cars, airplanes, ships, and trains because of their strength and ability to withstand high pressure and stress.
  • Electrical wiring: Copper is the preferred metal for electrical wiring because of its excellent conductivity.
  • Coins and jewellery: Precious metals like gold and silver are used to make coins and jewellery because of their lustre and rarity.

What are nonmetals?

Nonmetals are a diverse group of elements that lack metallic properties. They can be gases, liquids, or solids. Common nonmetals include oxygen, carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.

Properties of non-metals

  • Non-lustrous: Non-metals do not have a lustrous appearance. Most non-metals, like sulfur, have a dull surface.
  • Brittle: Nonmetals are neither malleable nor flexible. They break easily when hit with a hammer.
  • Poor conductors: Non-metals are insulators, meaning they do not conduct electricity or heat well. For example, rubber is used as an insulator around wires.
  • Low melting and boiling points: Many non-metals have low melting and boiling points. For example, nitrogen boils at -195.8°C.
  • Different states: Nonmetals exist in all three states of matter at room temperature. For example, oxygen is a gas, bromine is a liquid, and carbon is a solid.

Visual example of a nonmetal atom

Let's look at a simple example of a nonmetal atom:

N

This square shape represents a nonmetal atom, with the "N" standing for nonmetal. Unlike the smooth circles of metal atoms, nonmetal atoms lack a regular, organized pattern.

Uses of non-metals

Nonmetals play important roles in a variety of areas:

  • Respiration: Oxygen is necessary for respiration in humans and animals.
  • Fertilizer: Nitrogen is an important ingredient used in fertilizers to help plants grow.
  • Water treatment: Chlorine, a nonmetal, is used to kill harmful bacteria in water.
  • Medicines: Many nonmetals form the basis of a variety of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Difference between metals and nonmetals

Some of the major differences between metals and nonmetals are as follows:

Property Metals Non-metals
Aura Shiny Moody
Malleability and ductility Malleable and ductile Tender
Conductivity Good conductor of heat and electricity Bad conductor
Density Generally high Generally less
Condition at room temperature Mostly solid (except mercury) Can be solid, liquid, or gas

Chemical reactions involving metals

Metals are frequently involved in chemical reactions, often losing electrons to form positive ions. Common reactions include:

Reaction with oxygen

When metals react with oxygen, they form metal oxides.

    4Fe + 3O 2 → 2Fe 2 O 3

Iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, which is called rust.

Reaction with water

Some react with water to release hydrogen gas. For example:

    2Na + 2H 2 O → 2NaOH + H 2

This reaction shows that sodium reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Reaction with acids

Metals also react with acids to form salts and hydrogen gas.

    2HCl + Zn → ZnCl2 + H2

In this reaction, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

Chemical reactions involving nonmetals

Nonmetals participate in chemical reactions, often gaining electrons to form negative ions. Common reactions are as follows:

Reaction with oxygen

Nonmetals react with oxygen to form acidic oxides. For example:

    C + O 2 → CO 2

Carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

Reaction with hydrogen

Nonmetals combine with hydrogen to form hydrides. For example:

    N 2 + 3H 2 → 2NH 3

Nitrogen reacts with hydrogen to produce ammonia.

Summary

Understanding metals and nonmetals is essential to understanding the basics of chemistry. Both groups have different properties and play important roles in daily life. Metals like iron and copper are used in construction, transportation, and electrical wiring because of their strength and conductivity. Nonmetals like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon are important for respiration, plant growth, and many other processes. By learning about these elements, we gain a deeper appreciation for the science that shapes our world.


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Metals and Nonmetals

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