Metals & Non Metals

Question 1

What are the physical characteristics of metals?

Answer 1

Metals:
• are shiny
• have high melting points
• are good conductors of electricity and heat
• have high density
• are malleable and ductile

Question 2

What are the physical characteristics of non-metals?

Answer 2

Non-metals:
• are dull
• have low melting points
• are poor conductors of electricity and heat
• have low density
• are brittle

Question 3

Do transition metals show trends in group properties?

Answer 3

No, transition metals do not show trends in group properties, unlike group 1 and group 7.

Question 4

What common physical properties do transition metals share?

Answer 4

Transition metals:
• are good conductors of heat and electricity
• can be hammered or bent into shape easily
• have high melting points (but mercury is a liquid at room temperature)
• are usually hard and tough
• have high densities
• are coloured

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Group 2 elements?

Answer 5

Group 2 elements:
• are fairly soft metals
• shiny
• silvery-white
• have fairly high melting and boiling points
• have two valence electrons

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Group 7 elements?

Answer 6

Group 7 elements:
• are poisonous
• exist as non-polar diatomic molecules
• are generally soluble in non-polar solvents
• have low melting and boiling points
• have seven valence electrons