METALS AND NON METALS

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS AND NON METALS

Physical properties include Physical state,lustre, colour,hardness, malleability,ductile,thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and sonority.

PHYSICAL STATE

Metals :- Almost all metals are solid at room temperature. But mercury is not similar than the other non metals.

Non-metals :- Almost all Non-metals are solids or gases at room temperature. Bromine is the only non-metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature.

LUSTRE

Metals:- Lustre or a shiny surface is a property of most metals. This is because metals can be polished. Because of their ability to shine and reflect light, metals like gold, silver and platinum are used for making jewellery and other decorative articles.

Non-metals:- Almost all Non-metals have a dull surface. As most of them occur as powders and gases,they cannot be polished like metals. Graphite and iodine do show some lustre.

COLOUR

Metals:- Most metals are white or silvery-grey. There are,however, a few exceptions. For example, gold is yellow and copper is reddish-brown.

Non-metals:- Some non-metals are colorless while some are coloured. For example, chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas,bromine is a brown liquid, iodine is a violet solid,and oxygen and nitrogen are colourless gases.

HARDNESS

Metals:- Most metals are hard but some (e.g.,sodium and potassium)are so soft that they can be cut with a knife .

Non-metals:- Non-metals are generally soft. Diamond , a form of carbon, is an exception. It is the hardest substance known.

MALLEABILITY

Metals:- Most metals can be beaten into thin sheets or foils. The property by virtue of which metals can be beaten into thin sheets is called malleability. Gold and silver are the most malleable metals known. This is what helps jewellery designers create intricately carved bangles, chains, and decorative articles in gold and silver. Other metals that can be beaten into sheets include aluminum, iron, copper, and tin.

Non-metals:- Non-metals are brittle and