Grade 8

Grade 8


Metals and Nonmetals


Chemistry is the study of matter, and one of the fundamental aspects is understanding the difference between metals and nonmetals. These two categories of elements have different properties that set them apart and determine their use in everyday life. In this study, we will explore these properties, providing clear examples and explanations.

Properties of metals

Metals have several key properties that make them unique and widely used. Here we will discuss each of these properties in detail.

Aura

Metals are known for their shiny appearance. This property is called lustre. When light falls on the surface of a metal, it gets reflected and gives the metal a shiny appearance.

Conductivity

Metals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat. This is due to the presence of free electrons that can move around freely in the metal. Let's look at this with an example:

Copper (Cu) is used in electrical wiring because it is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Copper Wire

Growability

Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. This property is called malleability. For example:

Aluminum (Al) can be made into thin sheets to produce aluminum foil.
Aluminum Foil

Resilience

Metals can also be drawn into thin wires. This property is called ductility. For example:

Gold (Au) is highly ductile and can be drawn into thin wires.
Gold Wire

Phonetics

When metals are struck, a ringing sound is produced, which is called sonorous. This property is used in the manufacture of musical instruments.

Properties of non-metals

On the other hand, non-metals have properties that are very different from metals. Let's explore these properties:

Non luminous

Non-metals do not have lustre. They are generally dull, with a few exceptions such as iodine.

Insulator

Nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity and heat. This makes them useful as insulating materials:

Rubber is used as an insulating material in electrical goods.
rubber insulation

Brittleness

Nonmetals are not malleable or ductile; they are brittle and break easily when hammered.

Non-phonetic

Unlike metals, nonmetals do not produce any sweet sound when struck.

Examples of metals

  • Iron (Fe): Due to its strength and durability it is used in building machines and in manufacturing.
  • Copper (Cu): As mentioned earlier, it is used in electrical wires.
  • Aluminum (Al): Light but strong, used in making aircraft bodies.
  • Gold (Au): Valued for its malleability and corrosion resistance, it is used in jewelry.

Examples of nonmetals

  • Oxygen (O2): Necessary for respiration in living organisms.
  • Carbon (C): Found in all known life forms, fundamental to organic chemistry.
  • Nitrogen (N2): It makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, it is used in fertilizers.
  • Sulfur (S): It is used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid, an important chemical.

Periodic table and metals/nonmetals

The periodic table arranges metals and nonmetals in a systematic way, revealing several trends and patterns:

Metals Metalloids non metallic

Metals are found in the left and middle portion of the periodic table. Nonmetals are found in the right portion. In between the metals and nonmetals are the metalloids, which have properties from both groups, making them unique.

Conclusion

Understanding the properties of metals and nonmetals helps us recognize their important role in a variety of applications. From the spoons you use in the kitchen to the car you drive, metals and nonmetals are important in our daily lives. By learning about their properties and uses, we gain a better understanding of how the world around us is made and works.


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