Unit (6.

6)
Explaining Differences between Metals and Non-metals
Metals and non-metals in the periodic table
Most elements are metals. Some are non-metals.
In the periodic table
- The elements to the left of the stepped line are metals
- The elements to the right of the stepped line are non-metals
Properties of metals and non-metals
The table shows the properties of typical metal and non-metal
elements.
Atom arrangements in metals and non-metals
- How the atoms are arranged
- How the atoms are held together

Metals
- In metals, the atoms are arranged in a huge pattern.
- Strong forces hold the atoms together.
- The rows of atoms can slide over each other.
Non-metals
- Some non-metal elements exist as single atom.
- There are weak forces between an atom and the neighbours.
- Some non-metal elements exist as molecules.
- A molecule is a group of atoms that are held together by strong
forces.
- There are weak forces between a molecule and its neighbours.
- Carbon is different to other non-metals.
- Its atoms are joined together in a huge structure.
- The forces between the atoms are very strong.
Using atom arrangements to explain properties
Melting and boiling points
- Metals have high melting and boiling points.
- This is because, in their solids, strong forces hold the atoms together.
- Much energy is needed to overcome these forces to form liquids or
gases.
- Most non-metals have low melting and boiling points. This is because:
- For elements that exist as molecules, there are weak forces between
the molecules.
- For elements that exist as single atoms, there are weak forces
between the atoms.
Strength
- Metals are strong.
- This is because strong forces hold their atoms together.
- In the solid state, non-metals are weak.
- This is because there are weak forces between the molecules.

Bendiness
- A thin sheet of metal is bendy.
- This is because its rows of atoms can slide over each other.
- In the solid state, non-metals are not bendy.
- They are brittle.
- This is because there are weak forces between its molecules.
Note
- Most metals have higher melting and boiling points than non-metals.
- Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals are
not.
- Atom arrangements and forces between atoms, explain metal and
non-metal properties.
Questions
(1) Describe three differences between metals and non-metals.
(2) Explain why metals have high melting and boiling points.
(3) Explain why non-metals have low melting and boiling points.
(4) Explain why metals are strong.
(5) Explain why non-metals are weak.
(6) Explain why a thin sheet of a metal is bendy, and a thin sheet of a
non-metal is not.
(7) The melting point of chromium is 1890°C. The melting point of
argon is -189°C. Suggest a reason for this difference.