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 ↓


Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals


In chemistry, it is essential to understand the difference between metals and nonmetals. These two categories of elements have different properties and uses, and they are located in different parts of the periodic table. Understanding metals and nonmetals helps us know how different substances behave in nature and how they can be used in our daily lives. Let's understand these differences in more depth.

What are metals?

Metals are elements that are generally hard, shiny, and good conductors of electricity and heat. Most metals are malleable, which means they can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. In addition, metals are ductile, which means they can be drawn into wires. Metals have high melting and boiling points. Most metals are found on the left and center of the periodic table.

Examples of metals are:

  • Iron (Fe)
  • Gold (Au)
  • Silver (Ag)

Visual example

_______
_/      _
|  oo  |
 ___/ /
 _________/

This is a simplified illustration of a shiny metal surface, showing how light reflection creates the shiny appearance.

What are nonmetals?

Nonmetals are elements that are not usually shiny. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals can also be gases, solids, or liquids at room temperature. They are not malleable or ductile. Nonmetals may break or shatter rather than bend. Most nonmetals are found on the right side of the periodic table.

Examples of non-metals are:

  • Oxygen (O)
  • Carbon (C)
  • Nitrogen (N)

Visual example

,--.
( O )
(   )
 `--'

This simple representation indicates the lack of structured form, which is characteristic of many nonmetallic elements in their natural state.

Properties comparison

Property Metals Nonmetals
Appearance Shiny Dull
Malleability Flexible Not pliable
Ductility Ductile Not ductile
Conductivity Good conductors Bad conductors
State (at room temperature) Solids (except mercury) Solid, liquid, gas

Chemical behavior

Metals and nonmetals also differ in their chemical behavior. Metals easily lose electrons. This makes them good conductors of electricity. In chemical reactions, metals often form positive ions. For example, when sodium, a metal, reacts with chlorine, it forms sodium chloride, a compound:

2Na + Cl2 → 2NaCl

On the other hand, nonmetals tend to gain or share electrons when they react. Nonmetals can form covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other nonmetals. For example, hydrogen and oxygen, both nonmetals, form water when they react:

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Uses of metals and nonmetals

Uses of metals

Metals have many uses due to their properties. Some of the common uses are as follows:

  • Construction: Metals such as iron and steel are used in building and construction because of their strength and durability.
  • Electrical wire: Copper and aluminum are commonly used for electrical wiring because of their excellent conductivity.
  • Jewellery: Gold, silver and platinum are used in making jewellery because they are attractive and do not tarnish easily.

Uses of non-metals

Non-metals also have important uses in various fields. Here are some examples:

  • Respiration: Oxygen is necessary for breathing in humans and animals.
  • Fertilizer: Nitrogen compounds are used in fertilizers to aid plant growth.
  • Making plastics: Carbon is used to make plastics, which are used in many applications.

Environmental impact

The extraction and use of metals and nonmetals can have an impact on the environment. Extracting metals from ores involves mining, which can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Some nonmetals, such as sulfur and phosphorus, when not handled properly, can cause environmental problems such as acid rain and eutrophication.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between metals and nonmetals is important in the study of chemistry. These differences define their applications and their roles in the natural world. By knowing their properties, behavior, and uses, we can better understand the diversity and complexity of the physical world around us. This understanding also enables us to use these elements sustainably and responsibly to reduce their impact on the environment.


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Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals

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