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10.2Unit 5: Metals, non-metals, acids and alkalis

Comparing metals and non metals

5 min read 4 parts Lesson 2 of 7 1 quiz

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Part 1 of 4Metals and non-metals compared

PropertyMetalsNon-metals
State at room temperatureMost are solidMany are gases
AppearanceShinyDull
StrengthDo not shatterBrittle when solid
Heat conductionConduct heat wellDo not conduct heat well
Electrical conductionConduct electricityMost do not conduct
SoundSonorousNot sonorous
ShapingMalleable and ductileNot malleable or ductile

Part 2 of 4Questions to ask when testing a material

  • Appearanceis it shiny or dull?
  • Sounddoes it make a ringing sound when hit?
  • Brittlenessis it brittle, and can it be bent?
  • Heatdoes it feel hot or cold, showing heat conduction?
  • Electricitydoes it conduct electricity?

Part 3 of 4Testing electrical conduction

  1. Build a circuit with a cell, a lamp and crocodile clips.
  2. Check the lamp works by joining the clips together with no test material.
  3. Connect the test material between the clips, making good contact.
  4. If the lamp lights, the material conducts electricity.

Part 4 of 4Unusual properties

  • Mercurya metal that is liquid at room temperature
  • Remindersome tests are not enough alone; the most useful test is conduction of electricity combined with other properties
  • Better than non-metalsmetals conduct, are malleable and are ductile

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