Chapter 5.

1 Classification of elements into metals, non-metals and semi-metals

(Chapter 5 page3-7)

Summary
 An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into anything simpler by chemical
methods.
 All the elements are listed in the Periodic Table (refer to the front inside cover of the book or
https://www.webelements.com/ ).
 There are 118 elements. There are two ways to classify them:
 Classify them into solids, liquids or gases at room temperature and pressure.
 Classify them into metals, semi-metals or non-metals.

A. Classifying elements according to physical states:

 At room temperature and pressure, there are:
 11 gases
 2 liquids: bromine (reddish brown in colour) and mercury (silvery in
colour)
 The rest are all solids.

B. Classifying elements according to metals, semi-metals and non-metals:

 Differences between metals and non-metals:

State at room temperature and
pressure
Appearance
Melting point and boiling point
Hardness and strength
Malleability and ductility
Density
Thermal conductivity and
electrical conductivity
Metals
All are solids, 1 liquid (mercury)
Shiny, silvery white or silvery grey
in colour (exceptions such as gold
and copper)
Usually high (exceptions like
sodium and potassium have a
low m.p)
Hard and strong (exceptions like
sodium and potassium are soft,
they can be cut with a knife)
Malleable and ductile
Usually high
Good conductors of heat and
electricity
Non-metals
Solids, all gases and 1 liquid
(bromine)
Dull, show a variety of colours
Usually low (exceptions like
carbon in the form of diamond
and graphite have a high m.p and
b.p)
Brittle (break easily)
Not malleable and ductile
Usually low
Poor conductors of heat; non-
conductors of electricity (except
carbon in the form of graphite)
 Semi-metals are also called metalloids.
 They have properties of both metals and non-metals.
 For example, normally they do not conduct electricity. However, when heated or when slightly
impure, they conduct electricity quite well. Therefore, they are semi-conductors, which are used to
make computer chips.
 Examples of semi-metals are boron and silicon.

Boron Silicon