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.