Metals:
- Metals are elements that generally have a shiny appearance, are good conductors of heat and electricity, and are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
- They tend to have high melting and boiling points, and are solid at room temperature (with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid).
- Metals usually have a high density and are typically hard and strong.
- They form positive ions by losing electrons when they undergo chemical reactions.
- Examples of metals include iron, aluminum, copper, gold, and silver.
Non-metals:
- Non-metals are elements that lack the characteristic properties of metals.
- They have a wide range of physical properties. Some non-metals, like sulfur and phosphorus, are solids, while others, like oxygen and nitrogen, are gases. Bromine is the only non-metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
- Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity. They are generally brittle and lack malleability and ductility.
- Non-metals have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.
- They tend to gain or share electrons when they react with other elements, forming negative ions or covalent bonds.
- Examples of non-metals include carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and iodine.
Metalloids (Semimetals):
- Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and non-metals.
- They exhibit characteristics of both metals and non-metals to varying degrees.
- Metalloids can be shiny or dull, and their electrical conductivity can be improved by heating or adding impurities.
- They have moderate melting and boiling points.
- Metalloids are typically brittle and have less malleability and ductility compared to metals.
- They can form positive or negative ions depending on the chemical reaction.
- Examples of metalloids include silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
It's important to note that the classification of elements into metals, non-metals, and metalloids is based on their physical and chemical properties and can sometimes be subjective, as some elements may exhibit properties that fall between the defined categories.
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