1. Introduction
All elements are classified mainly into metals, non-metals, and metalloids based on their
physical and chemical properties.
Metals make up the majority of elements in the periodic table.
Non-metals are fewer, but essential for life processes.
2. Physical Properties of Metals
1. Lustre – Metals have a shiny surface (metallic lustre). Example: Gold, Silver.
2. Hardness – Most metals are hard (except Sodium and Potassium which are soft).
3. Malleability – Metals can be beaten into thin sheets. Example: Aluminium foil.
4. Ductility – Metals can be drawn into wires. Example: Copper wires.
5. Conductivity – Good conductors of heat and electricity.
6. Sonority – Metals produce a ringing sound when struck.
7. Density & Strength – Most metals are dense and strong (Iron is used in construction).
8. Melting & Boiling Points – High, except metals like Mercury which is liquid at room
temperature.
3. Physical Properties of Non-Metals
1. Appearance – Dull, not shiny (except Iodine).
2. Hardness – Usually soft and brittle. Example: Sulphur, Phosphorus.
3. Malleability & Ductility – Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile; they break on
hammering.
4. Conductivity – Poor conductors of heat and electricity (except Graphite).
5. Density & Strength – Low density, weak in strength.
6. Melting & Boiling Points – Generally low (except Diamond has very high).
4. Chemical Properties of Metals
1. Reaction with Oxygen
o Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide
o Example: 4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O
o Most metal oxides are basic in nature.
2. Reaction with Water
o Metals + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen gas
o Example: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑
o Some metals like Iron react slowly, while Copper does not react.
All elements are classified mainly into metals, non-metals, and metalloids based on their
physical and chemical properties.
Metals make up the majority of elements in the periodic table.
Non-metals are fewer, but essential for life processes.
2. Physical Properties of Metals
1. Lustre – Metals have a shiny surface (metallic lustre). Example: Gold, Silver.
2. Hardness – Most metals are hard (except Sodium and Potassium which are soft).
3. Malleability – Metals can be beaten into thin sheets. Example: Aluminium foil.
4. Ductility – Metals can be drawn into wires. Example: Copper wires.
5. Conductivity – Good conductors of heat and electricity.
6. Sonority – Metals produce a ringing sound when struck.
7. Density & Strength – Most metals are dense and strong (Iron is used in construction).
8. Melting & Boiling Points – High, except metals like Mercury which is liquid at room
temperature.
3. Physical Properties of Non-Metals
1. Appearance – Dull, not shiny (except Iodine).
2. Hardness – Usually soft and brittle. Example: Sulphur, Phosphorus.
3. Malleability & Ductility – Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile; they break on
hammering.
4. Conductivity – Poor conductors of heat and electricity (except Graphite).
5. Density & Strength – Low density, weak in strength.
6. Melting & Boiling Points – Generally low (except Diamond has very high).
4. Chemical Properties of Metals
1. Reaction with Oxygen
o Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide
o Example: 4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O
o Most metal oxides are basic in nature.
2. Reaction with Water
o Metals + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen gas
o Example: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑
o Some metals like Iron react slowly, while Copper does not react.
