Metals and Non-metals

• The elements in the periodic table can be roughly divided into metals and non-metals. There are more metals than non-metals in the periodic table. In the periodic table below, metals are red and non-metals are green.
• Metals

  • Metals are found on the left of the periodic table because they have few electrons in their outer shell.
  • When metals react, they lose 1 or more of these negatively charged electrons to form positively charged ions.
• Properties of metals

  • High melting and boiling points.
  • Good conductors of heat and electricity.
  • They are all solids (except for mercury).
• Non-metals

  • Non-metals are found on the right of the periodic table because they have many electrons in their outer shell.
  • When non-metals react, they either:
  • Gain electrons to form negatively charged ions.
  • Or share electrons to form neutral molecules.
• Properties of non-metals

  • Lower melting and boiling points.
  • Often found as gases.
  • Generally do not conduct heat or electricity.