Metals & Non-Metals

• Most elements are metals
• Metals form positive ions when they react
• Non-metals either from negative ions or don't form ions.
• On the left of the periodic table (where many metals are located) the elements do not have many electrons in the outer shell which means they are easier to lose and therefore will form positive ions.
• It is much harder to lose more electrons
• As the electrons get further from the nucleus they become easier to lose (less positive negative attraction)
• Metals

  • Strong metallic bonds
  • Malleable
  • Conductors of heat/electricity
  • High melting and boiling points
  • Shiny
  • Sonorous (ringing sound)
• Non-Metals

  • Brittle
  • Dull
  • Low melting and boiling points
  • Poor conductors
  • Lower densities than metal
• Transition metals

  • Typical metal properties but also...
  • Can form more than one ion which are often coloured
  • Make very good catalysts