Uses of metals and nonmetals

Chemistry is an exciting subject that helps us understand the substances that make up everything in the world. These substances can often be divided into two groups: metals and nonmetals. In this article, we will learn about the uses of metals and nonmetals and how they affect our daily lives.

Metals

Metals are elements that are generally hard, lustrous, malleable, ductile and good conductors of electricity and heat. Let us learn about their uses.

1. Use in construction

Metals are used extensively in construction due to their strength and durability.

• Iron and Steel: Iron, when mixed with carbon, forms steel, which is a stronger material.

  Fe + C → Steel

  Steel is used in the construction of buildings, bridges and other structures.
• Aluminium: It is used in roofing and window frames because it is lightweight and corrosion resistant.

2. Use in transportation

Transportation depends mainly on metals.

• Aluminium: The bodies of airplanes and some cars are made of aluminium because it is lightweight and reduces fuel consumption.
• Steel: Because of its strength it is used in ships, vehicles and railway tracks.

3. Uses in electronics and electricals

Metals play an important role in the field of electronics.

• Copper: Known for its excellent conductivity, copper is used in electrical wires and circuits.

  Conductivity of Copper: 59.6 × 10 6 S/m

• Gold and Silver: Used in small amounts in electronics and circuits for reliable conductivity and corrosion resistance.

4. Used in the manufacture of alloys

An alloy is a mixture of one or more metals and other elements.

• Bronze: An alloy of copper and tin, used to make coins, sculptures, and medals.

  Cu + Sn → Bronze

• Brass: An alloy of copper and zinc, used in musical instruments and door handles.

  Cu + Zn → Brass

5. Uses in medicine

Metals are used in medicine both directly and indirectly:

• Iron: Used in the form of iron tablets to treat anemia.
• Titanium: It is used in surgical implants because it is biocompatible and strong.

6. Uses in jewellery

Some metals are popular for making jewelry because of their lustre and malleability.

• Gold: Gold jewellery is in high demand due to its beauty and tarnish resistance.
• Platinum: Used in high-end jewellery for its beauty and durability.

Visual example of a metal atom

Non metallic

Nonmetals are elements that are generally brittle, non-ductile, non-ductile and poor conductors of heat and electricity. Let's explore their uses.

1. Use in daily life

Nonmetals are used in many common everyday applications:

• Oxygen: Necessary for respiration in living beings and used in medical equipment.
• Carbon: Present in all living organisms and used in fuels such as coal.

2. Uses in agriculture

Agriculture depends heavily on non-metals for fertilizers:

• Nitrogen: Used in fertilizers to promote plant growth.

  N → Fertilizers

• Phosphorus: Also part of fertilizers to enhance root growth.

3. Uses in medicine

Nonmetals are important in health care:

• Iodine: Used in antiseptics to kill harmful microorganisms.
• Helium: It is used for respiratory problems because it is lighter than air and non-toxic.

4. Uses in industry

Various industries depend on non-metals:

• Chlorine: It is used to make PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is used to make pipes, hoses, etc.

  Cl

• Sulfur: It is used in the production of sulfuric acid, which is essential for various industrial processes.

5. Household use

Nonmetals also find a place in our homes:

• Bromine: It is used in fire retardants that reduce the flammability of objects.
• Fluorine: Important for making non-stick coatings for cooking utensils.

Visual example of a nonmetal atom

Difference between metals and nonmetals

To summarize, let's look at some of the major differences between metals and nonmetals:

Property	Metals	Non metallic
Conductivity	Good conductors of heat and electricity	Bad conductor
Growability	Malleable and ductile	Not brittle and ductile
Appearance	Shiny and metallic luster	Moody
Condition at room temperature	Solids (except mercury)	Solid, liquid or gas

Conclusion

Metals and nonmetals play important roles in our lives, from the structures we live in to the air we breathe. Knowing their properties and uses helps us appreciate the materials that build our world and sustain life.

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