Metals & non-metals

• Most elements are metals and we find them towards the bottom left of the periodic table
• Metals


  • They form positive ions when they react
  • They have a full outer shell of electrons
• Non-metals


  Either don't form ions or they form negative ions
• Elements further down the periodic table

  Are more reactive
• Metals


  • Have metallic bonding which is strong
  • Are malleable and can be bent or hammered into shape
  • Are good conductors of heat and electricity
  • Have high melting and boiling points
  • Are shiny and sonorous (create a ringing sound when hit)
• Non-metals


  • Are dull in colour
  • Are brittle and easily break
  • Have low melting and boiling points, with many being gases at room temperature
  • Are poor conductors of electricity
  • Have lower densities than metals
• Transition metals

  • Typical metal properties, but can form multiple different ions and their ions are often coloured
  • Make good catalysts, substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up
• Iron is an important catalyst in the Haber process to make ammonia, and nickel is used in the hydrogenation of alkenes to make margarine