Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table: Metals and Non-Metals

Question 1

Where are metals found on the periodic table?

Answer 1

• to the left of the stepped line

Question 2

What do metals form when they react?

Answer 2

positive ions/cations

Question 3

What do non-metals form when they react?

Answer 3

They either:
- don’t form ions
- form negative ions

Question 4

As you progress down the periodic table, do metals become more or less reactive? What about with non-metals?

Answer 4

Metals
Become more reactive further down.

Non-Metals
Become less reactive further down.

Question 5

Why are metals that are further down in the periodic table more reactive?

Answer 5

• they have lots of shells so the outermost shell is far away
• so outer electrons experience a weaker attraction to nucleus as the electrostatic force is weaker
• because there are more shells between the nucleus and the outer electrons there is more shielding resulting in the outer electrons being even less attracted to the nucleus
• because of this, metals further down can lose their outer electrons more easily so are more reactive

Question 6

List the physical properties of metals.

Answer 6

• very strong (due to metallic bonding)
• malleable
• good conductors of heat and electricity
• high melting and boiling points
• shiny
• sonorous

Question 7

List the physical properties of non-metals.

Answer 7

• brittle
• dull
• low melting and boiling points
• less dense
• poor conductors of heat and electricity

Question 8

List the properties of transition metals.

Answer 8

• all typical metal properties listed
• can form more than one ion
• transition metal ions are often coloured so compounds that contain them are colourful
• often make good catalysts