metals and non-metals

• CHARACTERISTICS:

  • METALS are elements known to form POSITIVE IONS in reactions, found mainly towards the bottom and left of the periodic table.
  • The MAJORITY of elements in the periodic table are metals.
  • NON-METALS do NOT form POSITIVE IONS in reactions, and are mainly found in the TOP RIGHT of the periodic table.
• REACTIVITY:

  • During reactions, the atoms always try to achieve a FULL outer shell because it makes them MORE STABLE.
  • METALS generally LOSE ELECTRONS in order to achieve a FULL OUTER SHELL.
  • NON-METALS generally GAIN ELECTRONS in order to achieve a FULL OUTER SHELL.
  • The periodic table shows link between element's ATOMIC NUMBER and its REACTIVITY, as well as its position on the table.
• METALS AND REACTIVITY:

  • METALS FURTHER on the LEFT side of the periodic table have fewer electrons to REMOVE from their outer shells, making them MORE REACTIVE.
  • As you go DOWN a group, outer shell electrons are FURTHER AWAY from the nucleus because the atom gets BIGGER and has MORE SHELLS. This DECREASES the ATTRACTION of the outer electrons to the nucleus, which makes them MORE REACTIVE.
  • REACTIVITY of METALS INCREASES down a group as it's easier for elements to react and LOSE electrons.
• NON-METALS AND REACTIVITY:

  • NON-METALS, found on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE of the periodic table, often have more outer electrons. They tend to GAIN or SHARE electrons to achieve a full outer shell, highlighting a distinct characteristic between metals and non-metals.
  • This distinction is crucial for understanding their CHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR.
• Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals:

  • METALS exhibit METALLIC BONDING, making them strong, malleable, and excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
  • NON-METALS, lacking metallic bonding, often appear dull and are poor conductors of electricity, with a lower density and a wide range of physical states at room temperature.
• metals+metals= ionic

  non metals+non metals= covalent

  metal+non metal= ionic