The differences between metals and non-metals are so distinctive as they are both widely used by humans. In fact, without these materials, surviving would have been hard for us. They are different elements in the periodic table, which is why the topic needs to be treated for its clear differentiation.
Metals are materials that show a lustrous appearance when freshly prepared polished, or fractured. They conduct electricity and heat relatively well. Generally, metals are malleable; that is, they can be hammered into thin sheets or ductile, which makes them be drawn into wires.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore the difference between metals and non-metals, explaining what they are, their properties, types as well as their key difference.
Let’s get started!
What are Metals?
Metals are materials that show a lustrous appearance when freshly prepared polished, or fractured. They conduct electricity and heat relatively well.
Generally, metals are malleable, that is, they can be hammered into thin sheets or ductile which makes them be drawn into wires. Also, metals may be chemical elements such as iron (stainless steel) or molecular compounds (polymeric sulfur nitride).
Almost all elements in the periodic table are metals which include alkali metals, transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, and alkaline earth metals. Although they are separated from the nonmetals on the periodic table through a zigzag line starting from carbon, phosphorus, selenium, and iodine, and stopping with radon.
In the table, elements right to the listed ones are nonmetals. Elements that are located just to the left of the line are termed semimetals or metalloids. They have the properties of both metals and nonmetals.
In physics, metals are generally seen as any substance that is capable of conducting electricity at a temperature of absolute zero. Many elements and compounds that are not normally classified as metals can become metallic under high pressures.
For instance, iodine which is a nonmetal gradually becomes a metal at a pressure between 40,000- and 170,000 times atmospheric pressure.
On the other way round, some materials regarded as metals can become nonmetals. For example, sodium becomes a nonmetal at a pressure of less than 2 million times atmospheric pressure.
Metals can be categorized into two: ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals that contain mostly iron and small amounts of other elements. They are prone to rust when exposed to moisture and they can be picked up by a magnet. Examples of ferrous metals include mild steel, cast iron, and steel.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain or have any iron in them. in this case, non-metals cannot be picked up by a magnet and they do not rust when exposed to moisture. Types of non-ferrous metals include copper, zinc, tin, etc.
More types of non-ferrous metal elements include: gold, silver, iron, copper, nickel, aluminum, mercury (Liquid metal), titanium, radium, californium.
Properties of Metals
The properties of metals are categorize into physical and chemical properties:
Physical Properties
Below are the physical or mechanical properties of metals.
- Shiny (lustrous) in nature.
- Ductile
- Opaque
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Malleable
- At room temperature, it is in solid form except for mercury.
- High density and melting point.
Chemical Properties
Below are the chemical properties of metals.
- Metals have low electronegativities
- Easily corrodible
- Good reducing agents
- Ability to lose electrons
- Form basic oxides.
Related: What is Toughness, Hardness and Strength in a Material?
What are Non-metals?
Non-metals are the chemical element that does not have metal properties in them. they occupy the upper right-hand portion of the periodic table even though they are few. The element that comes under non-metals includes Sulphur, carbon, all halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen, and noble gases.
Unlike metals, non-metals are not shiny, malleable, or ductile, they are not good conduction of electricity. The physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals vary widely, that is, the properties of non-metals have less in common with each other than metals.
Some non-metals are in solid form while some are gases at room temperature. Furthermore, noble gases and halogens elements are also referred to as non-metals
Properties of Non-Metals
Non-metals are also classify into physical properties and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
Below are the physical properties of non-metals:
- Non-ductile materials
- Poor conductor of heat and electricity
- Brittle solids
- Transparent
- They may be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature.
- They are not sonorous
Chemical Properties
Below are the chemical properties of non-metals:
- Non-metals easily gain or lose valance electrons
- Great oxidizing agents
- They are high electronegative elements
- Electrons in the outer shell are generally 4-8
- Non-metals form acidic oxides whenever they come in contact with oxygen.
Types of non-metals include:
- Diamond
- Sulfur
- Graphite
- Carbon
- Iodine
- Tincture
- Bromine (liquid non-metal)
- Phosphorus
- Silicon
- Boron
Related: What is Non-Ferrous Metals? Applications, Properties & Types
Difference Between Metals and Non-Metals
So, the big question today is the difference between metals and non-metals. Well, non-metals and metals take different forms (allotropes), that is, they have different shapes and properties. Allotropes are elements that exist in two or more different physical forms.
The table below shows the big difference between metals and non-metals:
| Aspect | Metals | Non-Metals |
| State at Room Temperature | Mostly solids (except mercury) | Solids, liquids (bromine), and gases |
| Appearance | Lustrous (shiny) | Dull (non-lustrous) |
| Conductivity | Good conductors of heat and electricity | Poor conductors of heat and electricity |
| Malleability | Malleable (can be hammered into sheets) | Brittle (break or shatter when hammered) |
| Ductility | Ductile (can be drawn into wires) | Not ductile |
| Density | Generally high density | Generally low density |
| Melting and Boiling Points | Usually high | Usually low |
| Magnetic Properties | Some metals are magnetic (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel) | Non-magnetic |
| Chemical Reactivity | Tend to lose electrons and form positive ions | Tend to gain or share electrons and form negative ions or covalent bonds |
| Examples | Iron, Copper, Gold, Aluminum | Carbon, Oxygen, Sulfur, Chlorine |
| Oxide Nature | Basic or amphoteric oxides | Acidic or neutral oxides |
| Uses | Construction, electrical wiring, jewelry, tools | Insulation, water purification, fertilizers, plastics |