Metals and nonmetals are two broad categories of elements on the periodic table with distinct characteristics. Here are five key differences between metals and nonmetals:
Physical Properties:
Metals: Metals generally have a shiny or metallic luster. They are good conductors of heat and electricity. Metals are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
Nonmetals: Nonmetals often lack a metallic luster. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals are typically brittle and may not exhibit malleability or ductility.
State at Room Temperature:
Metals: Many metals are solid at room temperature, with exceptions such as mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature.
Nonmetals: Nonmetals can exist in various states at room temperature, including solids (e.g., sulfur and carbon), liquids (e.g., bromine), and gases (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen).
Density:
Metals: Metals tend to have high density. Common metals like iron, copper, and gold are relatively dense.
Nonmetals: Nonmetals generally have lower density compared to metals. For example, gases like hydrogen and nitrogen have low densities.
Melting and Boiling Points:
Metals: Metals often have high melting and boiling points. For example, metals like iron and copper have high melting points.
Nonmetals: Nonmetals generally have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals. For instance, substances like sulfur and carbon have relatively low melting points.
Chemical Properties:
Metals: Metals typically have a tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations) in chemical reactions. They are known for their ability to react with acids and undergo corrosion when exposed to certain environments.
Nonmetals: Nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions) in chemical reactions. They may react with metals to form compounds, and many nonmetals are important components of organic compounds.
These differences highlight the contrasting characteristics of metals and nonmetals in terms of their physical properties, states at room temperature, density, melting and boiling points, and chemical behaviors. It’s important to note that the properties mentioned above are general trends and that individual elements may exhibit variations within each category.