IGCSEChemistry: Double ScienceEdexcelRevision Notes1. Principles of ChemistryThe Periodic TableClassify Metals & Non-Metals

Classify Metals & Non-Metals (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry: Double Science)

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Properties of metals and non-metals

  • We can use properties such as electrical conductivity and acid-base character to classify elements as metals or non-metals

 Properties of metals and non-metals

Property Metals Non-metals
Electron arrangement 1-3 outer shell electrons 4-7 outer shell electrons
Bonding Metallic bonding due to loss of electrons Covalent by sharing of outer shell electrons
Electrical conductivity Good conductor of electricity Poor conductors of electricity
Type of oxide Basic oxides Acidic oxides (some are neutral)
Reaction with acids Many react with acids Usually do not react with acids
Physical characteristics
  • Usually lustrous (shiny)
  • Solid at room temperature (excluding mercury)
  • Malleable, can be bent and shaped
  • High melting and boiling point
  • Dull, non-reflective
  • Different states at room temperature
  • Flaky, brittle
  • Low melting and boiling points

Metals and non-metals in the periodic table

  • The location of the metals and non-metals shows a clear pattern when highlighted on a periodic table
  • Another thing that is striking, is that you can see that the vast majority of elements are metals

The periodic table showing the location of metals and non metals

Metals are on the left of the Periodic Table and non-metals on the right

Examiner Tip

A zig-zag line between the blue and purple elements separates the metals on the left, from the non-metals on the right.

Elements which border the line are hard to classify as they have characteristics of both sides, so the term semi-metal or metalloid is used.

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