Chemical elements are classified as metals and non-metals. Metals are substances that conduct electricity, can form sheets or wires and have a shine. Non-metals are all those substances that do not conduct electricity, are fragile when handled or are gases.

The main characteristic that differentiates metals from non-metals is the ability to conduct electricity.

There are elements that look like metals, but react like non-metals.

Of the 118 elements in the periodic table, metals account for 80% of the elements. Below we present the elements of the periodic table and their corresponding classification as metals, non-metals and metalloids:

What are metals?

Metallic elements are those that have a tendency to give up electrons and can conduct electricity. They also have a characteristic shine and are malleable and ductile.

They are located on the left side of the periodic table, with the elements furthest to the left being those with a more metallic character.

Metals can be classified as:

• The alkali metals are the elements lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and francium.
• The alkaline earth metals are the elements beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.
• Transition metals are those found in the central block of the periodic table, and they include copper, gold, silver, platinum, among others.

Characteristics of metals

• They conduct electricity : they allow the movement of electrons through the material.
• Their valence electrons move freely : The electrons in the outermost shell of metals can move freely.
• They are prone to losing electrons : When metals react they usually lose electrons.
• They are reactive : the chemical reactivity of the metals increases as we go down the group, but decreases over the period.
• They are joined by metallic bonds : metals establish metallic bonds between themselves, a sea of ​​electrons that “stroll” between the nuclei of the atoms.
• They are solids at room temperature : most metals are solids, except for mercury Hg, gallium and cesium, which are liquid at room temperature.

Examples of metals

Aluminum

It is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, with a silvery-white luster and light weight, and its atomic number is 13. It is a solid that melts at 660 ºC. Aluminum is extracted from bauxite, a form of hydrated aluminum oxide.

It is widely used in kitchen utensils and industrial applications due to its high corrosion resistance.

Barium

Barium is a chemical element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56. It is a soft, silvery-white metallic element that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table

Beryllium

It is the fourth element of the periodic table, belonging to the alkaline earth metals. It is a solid that melts at 1287 ºC and is found in the composition of emeralds and aquamarines.

Bismuth

It is a brittle, crystalline, white metal with atomic number 83, long confused with tin or lead. It is the most diamagnetic of metals and has the lowest capacity to transmit heat.Bismuth is used to create alloys that coat objects vulnerable to damage at high temperatures, such as fire detection equipment and fire extinguishers.

Calcium

Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table.

Cesium

It is the most electropositive and alkaline metal. It is found in a liquid state at room temperature, together with gallium and mercury. Cesium explodes on contact with water and has a high affinity for oxygen. It is used in atomic clocks.

Chrome

It is one of the transition metals, with atomic number 24, a solid that melts at 2671 ºC. Chromium is used to harden steel, give it a hard, shiny surface to prevent corrosion, and in the manufacture of glass to give it its green color.

Copper

It is one of the most important metals for humans, who have used it for more than 5,000 years. Its metallic reddish shine stands out, as well as being malleable and ductile, which allows it to be used in the construction of jewelry, kitchen utensils and electrical supplies.

Iron

It is the most common metal on Earth, as it forms a large part of the planet’s core. Its atomic number is 26, and it is hard, brittle, and solid, melting at 1538 ºC. Iron is part of the oxygen transport systems in living beings. In its pure state, iron is very reactive and corrodes quickly in humid environments.

Gold

It is the most malleable and ductile metal, of great beauty in its pure state. Its atomic number is 79 and it belongs to the transition metals. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat and resistant to corrosion. It was used as currency and is now the standard in the monetary system of many countries.

What are non-metals?

Non-metallic elements are all those elements that do not fit the characteristics of metals. Non-metals include halogens, noble gases, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, sulfur and selenium.

They are located on the right side of the periodic table, separated from the metals by the metalloids.

Characteristics of non-metals

• They do not conduct electricity : non-metallic elements are poor conductors of electricity.
• Their valence electrons are restricted : The electrons of nonmetals are more restricted in their movement.
• Non-metallic elements tend to gain electrons when they react, accepting them from other elements.
• They form covalent bonds with other non-metals : Non-metallic elements tend to share their valence shell electrons with other non-metals, forming covalent bonds.

You may also be interested in seeing Types of chemical bonds

Examples of non-metals

Bromine

It is the only non-metal element that is found as a reddish-brown liquid at room temperature. Its atomic number is 35 and it belongs to the halogen group. It is used to make fireproofing agents, water purifiers, dyes, medicines and disinfectants.

Carbon

It is the non-metallic element with the greatest capacity to combine with other elements, key to the construction of biological molecules. It is found free in nature as diamond and graphite. In the atmosphere it is found combined with oxygen as carbon dioxide.

Chlorine

It is a yellow-green gas with atomic number 17, belonging to the halogen group. It is found in nature combined with other elements, such as common salt NaCl. Chlorine compounds are widely used throughout the world, as disinfectants, bleaches, water purification, among others.

Fluorine

It is the most electronegative and reactive element, it belongs to the halogen group, with atomic number 9. It is a pale yellow corrosive gas in its pure state.

Helium

It is the second element in the periodic table and the first in the group of noble gases. Its name is derived from the Greek Helios , meaning “sun”, where it was first identified in 1868

Bismuth, along with hydrogen, ranks as the most abundant element in the entire Universe.

Conclusion

Metals, characterized by conductivity, malleability, and ductility, play vital roles in construction, manufacturing, and technology. Non-metals, with their varied properties, are essential in biological processes and industrial applications. Understanding these differences enhances our knowledge of chemistry and highlights the importance of these elements in our daily lives and the natural world.

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