Metals and Nonmetals
Elements are classified as metals or nonmetals based on their physical and chemical properties, each group having distinct characteristics a
Core concept
Metals are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable (can be hammered into shapes), and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
How it works
Nonmetals are typically dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and brittle (breaking rather than bending) when solid.
Why it matters
Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form negative ions in chemical reactions.
Key detail
Understanding metal and nonmetal properties helps explain their uses, like metals in wiring and construction, nonmetals in various compounds.
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Quick notes
• Metals: shiny, good conductors, malleable, ductile.
• Nonmetals: dull, poor conductors, brittle.
• Metals lose electrons, form positive ions.
• Nonmetals gain electrons, form negative ions.
• This happens in chemical reactions.
• Metals used in wiring, construction.
• Nonmetals used in various compounds.
• Properties determine practical uses.