METALS, NONMETALS, METALLOIDS and METALLURGY
All elements are classified into metals, non-metals and metalloids.
Majority of the elements are Metals (metallic properties).
Nonmetals have properties opposite those of the metals.
Metalloids have properties similar to both metals and non-metals.
Metallic Elements Nonmetallic elements Metalloids
Distinguishing luster (shine) Non-lustrous, various colors Can be shiny or dull
Malleable and ductile Brittle, hard or soft Solids
(flexible) as solids
Conduct heat and electricity Poor conductors Conduct heat and electricity
better than nonmetals but not
as well as metals
Metallic oxides are basic, Nonmetallic oxides are acidic, They can form alloys with
ionic compounds other metals.
Cations in aqueous solution Anions, oxyanions in aqueous gains electrons in reactions
solution
Used as
Zinc : galvanizing iron, in Boron : making skin ointments. Boron : borosilicate glass.
anti-corrosion material, in Phosphorus : making crackers. Silicon : computers,
medicinal fields and in alloys. Chlorine : in the form of transistors, solar cells, LCD
Iron : construction material bleaching powder, is used for screens, to control the flow of
in bridges, houses, ships etc. purification of water. electricity.
Lead : making water pipes, in Oxygen, hydrogen and Germanium : wide-angle
pigments, batteries, in alloys nitrogen : used by all living camera lenses, microscope
etc. things, they are the "building lenses, etc.
Mercury : thermometer blocks" of life. Antimony : making of flame
retardants.
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