Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Middle School

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Learning Objectives

• Describe physical properties like lustre, conductivity, and malleability used to classify elements.

• Differentiate between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their characteristic properties.

• Identify the location of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids on the periodic table.

• Explain why the unique properties of metalloids make them useful as semiconductors.

Key Vocabulary

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Lustre

The metallic shine of a substance that tells us how it reflects light from its surface.

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Malleability

The ability of a substance to be hammered or shaped into thin sheets without breaking or cracking.

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Ductility

The ability of a substance to be stretched or pulled into a thin wire without breaking.

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Conductivity

The measure of a substance's ability to conduct heat or an electrical current.

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Brittle

A characteristic of a substance that is hard but is likely to break or shatter easily.

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Semiconductors

Substances that conduct electricity and heat better than nonmetals but not as well as metals.

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What Are Metals?

• Metals are on the left and middle of the periodic table, making up most elements.

• Their key properties include lustre (shininess), malleability, and ductility.

• Malleable metals can be hammered into thin sheets, and ductile metals can be drawn into wires.

• They are excellent conductors of heat and electricity and have high melting points.

• Most metals are solid, but mercury (Hg) is a liquid at room temperature.

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following properties is NOT characteristic of most metals?

• They are shiny and reflect light.

• They are good conductors of heat.

• They are liquid at room temperature.

• They can be hammered into sheets.

Nonmetals

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Solid Nonmetals

• Solid nonmetals are dull and do not have any metallic lustre.

• They are brittle, meaning they break or shatter very easily when struck.

• Unlike metals, they are not malleable and cannot be stretched into wires.

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Liquid Nonmetals

• Only one nonmetal element is a liquid at normal room temperature.

• This unique nonmetal element is bromine, which is reddish-brown in color.

• All other nonmetals are solids or gases at the same temperature.

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Gaseous Nonmetals

• Many nonmetals naturally exist in the gaseous state at room temperature.

• These gases are very poor conductors of both electricity and heat.

• Examples include the oxygen we breathe and the abundant nitrogen gas.

Multiple Choice

Based on the properties of nonmetals, what would you expect to happen if you tried to hammer a solid piece of sulfur?

• It would stretch into a wire.

• It would become very shiny.

• It would flatten into a sheet.

• It would shatter or break easily.

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Metalloids

• Metalloids are found in a zig-zag line on the periodic table.

• ​Their properties are between metals and nonmetals, and they can be shiny or dull.

• They are often brittle and are special materials called semiconductors.

• Semiconductors like Silicon are used in computers and other electronics.

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Multiple Choice

Why are metalloids like silicon used in computers?

• Because they are always solid at room temperature.

• Because their conductivity is between that of metals and nonmetals.

• Because they are the best conductors of electricity.

• Because they are brittle and shiny.

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Common Misconceptions about Elements

Misconception	Correction
All metals are solid at room temperature.	Most are, but mercury is a liquid.
Elements are only either metals or nonmetals.	Metalloids have properties between metals and nonmetals.
If an element is shiny, it must be a metal.	Some metalloids, like silicon, can also be shiny.
All nonmetals are gases.	Nonmetals can be solids, liquids, or gases.

Multiple Choice

An element is a dull solid, a poor conductor of electricity, and breaks easily. How would you classify this element and where would you expect to find it on the periodic table?

• A metal, on the left side.

• A nonmetal, on the right side.

• A metalloid, on the zig-zag line.

• A metal, in the middle.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary difference between a malleable substance and a ductile substance?

• Malleable substances are insulators, while ductile substances are conductors.

• Malleable means it can be hammered into sheets, while ductile means it can be drawn into a wire.

• Malleable means it can be drawn into a wire, while ductile means it can be hammered into sheets.

• Malleable refers to lustre, while ductile refers to conductivity.

Multiple Choice

A newly discovered element is placed in the zig-zag region of the periodic table. Which of the following applications would be the most likely use for this new element?

• As a fuel, because it is likely to be a gas at room temperature.

• In electrical wiring for a house, to ensure maximum current flow.

• As a component in a computer chip, to control the flow of electricity.

• As a primary material for building construction due to its great strength.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best explains why metals are used for electrical wiring and jewelry?

• Their brittleness and low density make them ideal for industrial applications.

• Their dull appearance and poor conductivity are the primary reasons they are used for decorative purposes.

• Their properties as insulators and their gaseous state make them useful in electronics.

• Their ability to be drawn into wires (ductility) and conduct electricity makes them perfect for wiring, while their lustre and malleability are valued in jewelry.

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Summary

• Elements are classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids by their properties.

• Metals are shiny, malleable, ductile, and excellent conductors.

• Nonmetals are usually dull, brittle, and poor conductors.

• Metalloids have intermediate properties and are used as semiconductors.

• Lustre, malleability, and conductivity are key properties for classifying elements.

• An element's place on the periodic table hints at its properties.

Poll

On a scale of 1-4, how confident are you about differentiating between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4