Metals and Non-Metals

Question 1

Difference between metals and non metals in terms of their position in the periodic table?

Answer 1

Metals take up most of the periodic table, they are placed on the left side and non metals are on the right. Going diagonally down from boron like a staircase is where metals and non metals split.

Question 2

Difference between metals and non metals in terms of their physical properties?

Answer 2

Metals are solids (except mercury), non metals are solids and gases. Metals are malleable, lustrous and ductile and non metals are not. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity and non metals are not.

Question 3

Why is gold used for jewellery?

Answer 3

It is lustrous, malleable and doesn’t tarnish.

Question 4

Why are diamonds used for cutting glass?

Answer 4

It is the hardest material so it can accurately cut glass.