Metals and Non-metals

• Most Elements are Metals
• Metals


  • Elements which can form positive ions when they react
  • Towards the bottom and to the left of the periodic table
• Most elements in the periodic table are metals
• Non-metals


  • At the far right and top of the periodic table
  • Don't usually form positive ions when they react
• Elements


  • Metals (red)
  • Non-metals (blue)
• Electronic Structure of Atoms

  Affects How They Will React
• Atoms are more stable with a full outer shell
• How atoms react


  Lose, gain or share electrons
• Metal elements


  • To the left and towards the bottom of the periodic table
  • Lose electrons quite easily
  • Form positive ions with a full outer shell
• Non-metals


  • To the right of the periodic table or towards the top
  • Easier for them to share or gain electrons to get a full outer shell
• Metals and Non-Metals Have Different Physical Properties
• Metals


  • Strong (hard to break)
  • Can be bent or hammered into different shapes (malleable)
  • Great at conducting heat and electricity
  • Have high boiling and melting points
• Non-metals


  • Tend to be dull looking
  • More brittle (break more easily if bent)
  • Not always solids at room temperature
  • Don't usually conduct electricity
  • Often have a lower density