PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF
METALS AND NON-METALS
During classification of elements scientist considered few properties that differentiate between metals
and nonmetals. Here are the physical properties of metals and non metals –
Lustre
If you rub the surface of metals like iron, copper, aluminium and magnesium by sand paper, then there is
change in appearance. Basically, in pure state all metals have shining surface. This property is called
metallic lustre. Nonmetals on the other hand, are dull therefore does not have lustre.
Hardness
If you try to cut iron, copper, aluminium, and magnesium by sharp knife, you can observe that Metals are
generally hard. The hardness varies from metal to metal. On the other hand nonmetals can be cut or
broken easily. So, Comparing metals and nonmetals you can find that nonmetals are soft while metals are
hard.
Malleability
Take iron nail, coal piece, piece of thick aluminium wire, pencil lead. Beat each of them with hammer.
What do you observe? iron nail and aluminium wire change their shape but coal piece and pencil lead
break into pieces. Harder we beat greater is the change of shape. Thus metals if beaten change their
shape and forms thin sheet on beating. This property is called malleability. Comparing metals and
nonmetals you can find that nonmetals can’t form thin sheet by beating, instead they undergo breaking.
Ductility
Another interesting property of metals is the ability to form thin wires, it is called ductility. With this
property you can see wires of aluminium, copper, iron. Nonmetals does not show this property and
breaks if we try to form wires.
Sonority
The property of producing ringing sound when a substance is struck by hard substance is called sonority.
Metals are sonorous but nonmetals are not.
Conduction of heat
If one end of iron rod is heated then we can feel rise in temperature at other end also. This means that
metals conduct heat. Nonmetals does not conduct heat. If non metals would have been conducting heat,
will it be possible to use them as handles for cooker and pans? No.
Conduction of electricity
Metals are good conductor of electricity. If you remove
the outer PVC coating of wires you will find that there is
a metallic wire inside it, usually a copper wire. On the
other hand it is recommended to use rubber gloves
while doing electrical work. It is because nonmetals are
insulators.
Physical properties of metals :
● Metals are solids. (except mercury)
● Metals are hard. (except Lithium, Potassium, Sodium)
● Metals have metallic lustre. (shine)
● Metals are malleable. (can be beaten into thin sheets)
● Metals are ductile. (can be drawn into wires)
● Metals have high melting points. (Gallium and Cesium have low melting
points. They melt in the palm of the hand)
● Metals have high boiling points.
● Metals are good conductors of heat. ( Best conductors are silver and
copper. Poor conductors are Lead and Mercury)
● Metals are good conductors of electricity. ( Best conductors are Silver and
Copper)
● Metals are sonorus. (produce sound when beaten)
Physical properties of non-metals :
● Non metals may be solids, liquids or gases. (Solids – Carbon, Sulphur,
Phosphorus etc. Liquid – Bromine, Gases – Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen etc.)
● Non metals are soft. (except diamond which is the hardest natural
substance)
● Non metals do not have lustre.( except iodine crystals)
● Non metals are not malleable.
● Non metals are not ductile.
● Non metals which are solids and liquids have low melting points.
● Non metals which are solids and liquids have low boiling points.
● Non metals are bad conductors of heat.
● Non metals are bad conductors of electricity. (except graphite)
● Non metals are not sonorus.
Reference –
1. https://learnfatafat.com/physical-properties-metals-non-metals/
2.https://www.slideshare.net/abhinandanram/metals-and-non-metals-13911695
