Metals and 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
• To understand why metals and non-metals form different ions, we need to consider the electron arrangements of the atoms
• Elements on the left of the periodic table

  Won't have many electrons in their outermost shell
• Calcium in group 2


  Has two electrons in its outer shell, making it easy to lose these outer electrons and form a positive ion
• Chlorine with seven electrons in its outer shell

  Would have to lose all seven to become a positive ion, which requires a lot of energy and doesn't happen
• Metals become more reactive towards the bottom of the periodic table
• Metals


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


  • Tend to be dull in color
  • Are brittle (easily break)
  • Generally have low melting and boiling points, with many being gaseous at room temperature
  • Are poor conductors of electricity
  • Generally have lower densities than metals
• Transition metals


  • Typical metal properties, plus can form more than one ion and their ions are often colored
  • Make very good catalysts (substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up themselves)
• Iron is an important catalyst in the Haber process, which is used to make ammonia
• Nickel is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of alkenes, which is used to make margarine