In this tutorial, you will learn about the properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids (semimetals) as well as examples of metal elements, and nonmetal elements.
Ductility – the ability to be drawn into wires
Malleability – the ability to be hammered into thin sheets
Luster – the quality of reflecting light from the surface and can be polished
An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into any other substance. In other words, an element is the simplest form of matter. Elements are further classified into metals, non-metals, and metalloids (semimetals). Nonmetals are generally on the upper right side of the periodic table, metals cover most of the remaining area with metalloids in-between them.
Metals are elements that form positive ions by losing electrons during chemical reactions, except hydrogen. Thus, they are electropositive elements with low ionization energies. Most metals share the properties of being shiny, very dense, and having high melting points. Furthermore, they are ductile, malleable, and lustrous. Metals are also good conductors of heat and electricity. All metals are solids at room temperature, except mercury which is a liquid.
Metals generally form ionic bonds with nonmetals, but there are exceptions. Most metals form at least one basic oxide, although some are amphoteric. Metals exhibit a wide range of reactivity. Special groups of metals include the noble metals Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Au, Os, Ir, Ag and the refractory metals Nb, Mo, Ta, W and Re.
Nonmetals are elements that form negative ions by gaining electrons during chemical reactions. Thus, they are electronegative elements with high ionization energies. In general, non-metals are brittle, dull, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to have lower melting points than metals. Most of non-metals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases and solids, except bromine, which exists as a liquid.
Semimetals, also known as metalloids, have properties of both metals and non-metals. All metalloids are solids. Metalloids can be shiny or dull, but usually have a metallic luster. Some forms of selenium have an amazing, almost space-like sheen.
They are brittle, and are typically semi-conductors. Semi-conductors are capable of conducting electricity better than insulator, but not as well as conductors.
Metalloids generally have chemical properties similar to non-metals. Most form several different anions with oxygen that make a variety of salts with metals, although the aqueous chemistry of germanium is more limited. They act as metals when reacting with halogens, and as non-metals when reacting with alkali metals. Germanium is heavily used in the semiconductor industry.
Some semimetals like selenium and arsenic can be toxic. A selenium speciation machine can measure the amount of selenium present.
