Properties of Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids

Study Notes

Properties of Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids

Metals: Typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile; excellent conductors of heat and electricity. Examples include iron, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and alloys like brass and steel.
Non-metals: Generally soft and brittle, often found in gaseous states; dull and non-ductile with poor conductivity. Common examples are carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine.
Metalloids: Elements that exhibit properties intermediate between metals and non-metals, useful in various applications involving semiconductors.

Key Property Definitions

Conductivity: Refers to an element's ability to transmit heat, electricity, or sound effectively.
Luster: The quality of a surface that reflects light, contributing to a shiny appearance typical in many metals.
Malleability: The capability of a material to be shaped, hammered, or pressed into different forms without breaking.
Dull: A characteristic of a surface that lacks shine, often associated with non-metals and tarnished metals.
Brittle: Describes materials that break easily when subjected to pressure; the opposite of malleability.
Rust: A reddish residue that forms on metals like iron when exposed to moisture or air, indicative of a chemical reaction.
Ductile: The ability of a material to be stretched into thin wires without breaking, a significant property of many metals.
Tarnish: A chemical property in which a metallic surface becomes dull due to oxidation or discoloration over time.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Chemical Property: A characteristic that can only be observed during a chemical reaction, involving a change in the substance's chemical composition or identity.
Physical Property: Measurable attributes of a substance that can be observed without altering its chemical identity; includes features like color, boiling point, and hardness.

Description

Test your knowledge on the properties of metals, non-metals, and metalloids with our flashcards. Each card provides a key term along with its clear definition. Perfect for students studying chemistry and material properties.