Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals

In the periodic table, elements are classified into metals and nonmetals, among other categories. Understanding the difference between metals and nonmetals is fundamental in chemistry. Let's explore these differences in detail.

Physical properties

1. Lustre: Metals are generally shiny, and have a unique property called lustre. This lustre is caused by the way metals reflect light. A simple example of this is the lustre of a freshly cut piece of steel or a polished piece of copper.

<Metal-Example>
        As you can see in the daily utensils around you, like spoons and forks.
        They are shiny as they are made of metal.
    </metal-example>

On the other hand, non-metals usually do not have lustre. They look dull. For example, a piece of coal, which is made mostly of carbon, looks very dull compared to metals.

    Class Coal:
        def __init__(self, presence="slack"):
            self.appearance = appearance
    

2. Hardness: Most metals are hard. This means that they do not wear out or break easily. Metals such as iron, nickel and chromium are used in construction because of their hardness. However, there are some exceptions such as sodium and potassium which are quite soft and can be easily cut with a knife.

<harness-comparison>
        - Metal: Iron (very hard)
        - Exception: sodium (can be cut with a knife)
    </harness-comparison>

Nonmetals are soft. Many nonmetals do not have strong bonds like metals, making them more malleable and often powdery. For example, sulfur and phosphorus.

Chemical properties

3. Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. They have free electrons that move easily, allowing electricity and heat to flow through them. This is why metals like copper and aluminum are used in electrical wires.

<code>
        Electrical Wire Material: Copper
        Formula: Cu
    </code>

Nonmetals are generally poor conductors of electricity, making them good insulators. For example, the graphite variety of carbon is an exception to the nonmetals because it can conduct electricity, but other metals such as sulfur and phosphorus do not conduct electricity.

<Non-metal-examples>
        - Insulating material: sulfur
        - Not used in electrical wiring due to poor conductivity
    </non-metal-example>

4. Malleability and Ductility: Metals are known to be malleable, which means they can be beaten into thin sheets. They are also ductile, which means they can be drawn into wires. This is why gold and silver are used in making jewellery.

<Metal-Example>
        Gold: Very malleable and malleable
        It can be beaten into thin sheets or wires
    </metal-example>

Nonmetals are neither malleable nor ductile. If you try to beat or pull them, they will break or shatter. For example, try to bend a piece of carbon such as graphite; it breaks easily.

States of matter

5. States: Most metals are solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is in a liquid state. This is why mercury is used in thermometers.

<temperature-based-example>
        Metal: Mercury (liquid at room temperature)
        Use: Thermometer
    </temperature-based-example>

Nonmetals can exist in all three states: gas (such as oxygen), liquid (such as bromine), and solid (such as carbon in the form of graphite).

Density and strength

6. Density: Metals usually have a high density, which makes them heavy. Take iron or gold, for example; even a small amount of these metals can be very heavy.

<density-example>
        Metal: Gold
        Feature: High Density
    </density-example>

Nonmetals generally have low densities. Solid nonmetals such as phosphorus are relatively light.

Chemical reactivity

7. Reactivity: Metals react differently with different substances. Some metals, such as potassium, react rapidly with water, while other metals, such as gold, do not react easily, making them ideal for use in making coins and jewelry.

<react-example>
        Metal: Potassium
        Reaction: Vigorous with water
        Metal: Gold
        Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal conditions
    </react-example>

Nonmetals can also be reactive, but in a different way. For example, nonmetals such as chlorine are very reactive and can combine with metals to form salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl).

Use in everyday life

8. Practical Uses: Metals are used extensively in construction, electronics, transportation and similar industries. Steel, an alloy made of iron, is the backbone of modern infrastructure.

<industrial-use-examples>
        Metal: Steel(Alloy)
        Applications: construction of buildings, bridges
    </industrial-use-examples>

Nonmetals have various uses; for example, oxygen is necessary for respiration, and nitrogen is used in the manufacture of fertilizers.

Conclusion

While both metals and nonmetals have their own unique properties and roles, the fundamental differences between them make them suitable for different applications. From the structural strength provided by metals to the life-sustaining functions of nonmetals, both types of elements are integral parts of the world around us.

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