Difference Between Metallic and
Non-Metallic Elements
Definition
Property Metallic Elements Non-Metallic Elements
Definition Elements that tend to Elements that tend to
lose electrons and form gain or share electrons
positive ions (cations); and form negative ions
typically good (anions); typically poor
conductors and have conductors and have
shiny appearance. dull appearance.
Physical Properties
Property Metallic Elements Non-Metallic Elements
Appearance Lustrous (shiny) Dull (not shiny)
State at Room Temp. Mostly solids (except Solids, liquids (e.g.,
Mercury – liquid) bromine), or gases
Malleability Malleable (can be Brittle when solid
hammered into sheets)
Ductility Ductile (can be drawn Not ductile
into wires)
Density Usually high Usually low
Melting/Boiling Point High Low to moderate
Conductivity Good conductor of heat Poor conductor (except
and electricity graphite for electricity)
Chemical Properties
Property Metallic Elements Non-Metallic Elements
Valence Electrons Usually 1 to 3 electrons Usually 4 to 8 electrons
in outermost shell in outermost shell
Tendency in Reaction Lose electrons to form Gain or share electrons
cations (+) to form anions (–)
Reactivity with Acids Reacts with acids to Generally does not
release hydrogen gas react with acids
Oxide Nature Forms basic oxides Forms acidic or neutral
oxides
Examples and Common Uses
Type Examples Common Uses
Metallic Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), - Building materials
Aluminum (Al), Gold (steel, aluminum)
(Au), Silver (Ag), Zinc - Electrical wiring
(Zn), Sodium (Na), (copper)
Calcium (Ca) - Jewelry (gold, silver)
- Batteries (zinc)
Non-Metallic Oxygen (O), Carbon (C), - Breathing (oxygen)
Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), - Fertilizers (nitrogen,
Phosphorus (P), phosphorus)
Chlorine (Cl), Hydrogen - Disinfectants
(H), Bromine (Br) (chlorine)
- Fuels (carbon in
coal/oil/gas)
Summary Table
Feature Metallic Elements Non-Metallic Elements
State at Room Temp Mostly solids Solids, liquids, or gases
Luster Shiny Dull
Malleability and High Low
Ductility
Electrical Conductivity Good Poor
Electron Affinity Low (lose electrons) High (gain or share
electrons)
Oxide Behavior Basic Acidic/Neutral
Example Elements Iron, Copper, Aluminum Oxygen, Carbon,
Nitrogen
Activity Title: "Metals vs. Non-Metals: Know the Difference"
Instructions:
Answer all questions using a ballpen and a sheet of paper. Write
your answers in complete sentences where needed.
Part I – Identification (10 points)
Write M if the statement describes a metallic element, NM if it
describes a non-metallic element.
1. Has a shiny or lustrous appearance.
2. Often brittle and dull when solid.
3. Good conductor of electricity and heat.
4. Usually forms acidic oxides.
5. Can be hammered into thin sheets (malleable).
6. Often gains electrons in a chemical reaction.
7. Includes elements like iron, copper, and aluminum.
8. Includes elements like oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen.
9. Has high melting and boiling points.
10. Poor conductor of heat and electricity (except graphite).
Short Answer (10 points)
Answer the following questions in 2–3 sentences.
1. Why are metallic elements good conductors of electricity?
2. How do non-metallic elements behave during chemical bonding?
3. What is the significance of metals being malleable and ductile in
construction?
No Answ
Explanation
. er
1 M Metals are shiny or lustrous.
Non-metals are often dull and
2 NM
brittle.
Metals are good conductors
3 M
of electricity and heat.
Non-metals usually form
4 NM
acidic oxides.
5 M Metals are malleable.
Non-metals tend to gain
6 NM
electrons.
Iron, copper, and aluminum
7 M
are metals.
Oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen
8 NM
are non-metals.
Metals generally have high
9 M
melting and boiling points.
Most non-metals are poor
10 NM conductors; graphite is an
exception.
Answer Key for Part 1
