Physical Properties of Metals

Physical Properties of Metals

Characteristics:

• Luster: Metals have a shiny appearance
• Malleability: Metals can be pounded into different shapes without breaking
• Ductility: Metals can be stretched into thin wires without breaking
• Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity
• High Density: Metals are generally dense, meaning they have a high mass per unit volume
• High Melting and Boiling Points: Metals have high melting and boiling points, indicating strong bonds between atoms
• Sonorous: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck

Exceptions:

• Mercury is a liquid at room temperature, despite being a metal
• Some metals, like alkali metals, have low melting and boiling points

Physical Properties of Non-Metals

Characteristics:

• Dull Appearance: Non-metals often have a dull appearance
• Brittleness: Non-metals are brittle and break easily when subjected to pressure
• Poor Conductivity: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity
• Low Density: Non-metals are generally less dense than metals
• Low Melting and Boiling Points: Non-metals have low melting and boiling points, indicating weak bonds between atoms
• Non-Sonorous: Non-metals do not produce a ringing sound when struck

Exceptions:

• Carbon, in its diamond form, has a high density and is extremely hard
• Some non-metals, like iodine, have a shiny appearance

Physical Properties of Metals

• Metals have a shiny appearance due to their luster.
• They can be pounded into different shapes without breaking, exhibiting malleability.
• Metals can be stretched into thin wires without breaking, demonstrating ductility.
• They are good conductors of heat and electricity, making them suitable for various applications.
• Metals have a high mass per unit volume, giving them a high density.
• They have high melting and boiling points, indicating strong bonds between atoms.
• When struck, metals produce a ringing sound, known as sonorous.

Exceptions in Metals

• Mercury is a liquid at room temperature, unlike other metals.
• Alkali metals have low melting and boiling points, contrary to the typical metal characteristics.

Physical Properties of Non-Metals

• Non-metals often have a dull appearance, lacking luster.
• They are brittle and break easily when subjected to pressure.
• Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, making them less suitable for certain applications.
• They have a lower mass per unit volume, resulting in a lower density.
• Non-metals have low melting and boiling points, indicating weak bonds between atoms.
• When struck, non-metals do not produce a ringing sound, lacking sonorousness.

Exceptions in Non-Metals

• Diamond, a form of carbon, has a high density and is extremely hard.
• Iodine, a non-metal, has a shiny appearance, unlike other non-metals.