Metals and non-metals
In this topic you will:
- list the properties of metals and non-metals
- learn about the uses of metals and non-metals.
Key Words
brittle, conduct, ductile, insulators, magnetic, malleable, materials, shatter, shiny, sonorous
Metals
Metals are very useful materials. Materials are the substances from which objects are made.
There are many different metals. Metals are used to do different jobs.
Metals are strong and tough. They do not shatter when dropped and they do not crack easily. They can hold large weights without breaking.
Metals are shiny when they are freshly cut or polished.
Metals can be bent to shape them. Metals are malleable, which means they can be hammered into shape.
Metals are ductile, which means that they can be drawn out into wires.
Quick Fact
Ductility and malleability are two key properties that make metals ideal for construction, wiring, and manufacturing.
Metals make a ringing sound like a bell when they are hit; the word for this is sonorous.
Most metals do not melt easily. They have high melting points and high boiling points. Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
Metals are good conductors of heat. When you touch them they conduct heat energy away from the hand so they feel cold.
Some metals are magnetic. Iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are magnetic.
Important Concept
Metals are sonorous, conduct heat, and may be magnetic — these properties make them valuable for construction, cooking, and electrical uses.
Metals are good conductors of electricity. This means that an electric current can flow through them.
You need to remember that:
- The surface of most metals will become dull after a while
- Big lumps of metal are hard to test for flexibility
- Bottles and cups also make a ‘ringing’ sound when they are hit, but they are not made of metal.
Common Mistake
Just because something makes a ringing sound doesn't mean it's metal — materials like glass can also resonate when tapped.
Questions
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Iron, aluminum, sodium, gold, silver, titanium, platinum, beryllium, plutonium, einsteinium
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It is less reactive
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It is ductile and a good conductor of electricity
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Can be bent into shape; can be formed into wires, respectively
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Gold, silver, bronze
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Left hand side
Think Like a Scientist
Investigation: Properties of Materials
In this task, you will explore different everyday metal objects and link their material properties to their function.
Steps:
1. Choose several common metal objects you can safely observe (e.g. electrical wire, scissors, hammer, key).
2. Describe what each object looks like and how it's used.
3. Identify the metal it is made from, if known. If not, research or make a reasonable guess.
4. Suggest one or more useful properties of the metal that suit the object’s function.
5. Fill in your findings in a table like the one below.
| Item | Metal | Useful property |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical wire | Copper | It conducts electricity. It is ductile. |
Reflection Questions
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Knowing material properties helps us choose the right material for a job — making things stronger, safer, or more efficient.
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Aluminium is sometimes used. It also conducts electricity well and is lighter than copper, though less conductive.
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Steel is harder and stronger than aluminium, which makes it better for cutting and keeping a sharp edge.
Non-metals
Non-metals are often very useful because of the chemical reactions they have with other substances. There is a lot of variation between non-metals.
Properties shared by almost all non-metals
Non-metals look dull. They do not reflect light very well and the surface is not as smooth as metals.
Non-metals that are solids are brittle. If you drop them they may shatter.
Most non-metals do not conduct heat energy well. This is very useful because some can be used to make handles for cooking pans, for example.
Most non-metals do not conduct electricity. This is very useful because some can be used to make coverings for electric plugs and cables, for example. They are known as insulators; this means they do not conduct heat or electricity.
Properties shared by many non-metals
Non-metals are not as hardwearing as metals.
Many non-metals are gases.
The non-metals that are not gases have low melting points and low boiling points.
Important Concept
Non-metals often behave differently from metals — many are gases, poor conductors, brittle, and useful as insulators or reactants in chemical processes.
Questions
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Hydrogen, boron, oxygen, carbon, chlorine
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Making batteries
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Can float
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Right side