Metals and Non-metals Flashcards
Periodic table
A table showing all the known elements, organised into groups (vertical columns) and periods (horizontal rows). Elements in the same group have similar properties.
Metal elements
Found on the left side and centre of the periodic table. They include Group 1 elements and transition metals. Examples include sodium, iron, copper, calcium, zinc, gold
Non-metal elements
Found towards the right side of the periodic table. They include group 7 and 0 elements. Examples include chlorine, oxygen, neon, carbon, nitrogen
Group 1 elements
These are reactive metals, and include lithium, sodium and potassium. They are also called the alkali metals.
Group 7 elements
These are toxic non-metals, and include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. They are also called the halogens.
Group 0 elements
These are unreactive non-metals, and include helium, neon and argon. They are also called the noble gases.
Malleable
A property of metals, meaning they can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking
Ductile
A property of metals, meaning they can be drawn out into a thin wire
Electrical / Thermal Conductor
A property of metals meaning they can transfer thermal energy (heat) or electricity. Graphite (a form of carbon) is also a conductor, even though it is a non-metal
Metal alloy
A mixture of metals with other elements. Examples include steel, bronze, brass
Oxide
When a substance reacts with oxygen when heated, it may form an oxide. Copper oxide (CuO) is an example of a metal oxide, carbon dioxide (CO2) is an example of a non-metal oxide
Reactivity series
A list of elements in order of reactivity, with the most reactive at the top. It usually includes metals, as well as hydrogen and carbon
Displacement
When a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element from its compound, leaving the less reactive element on its own
