Metals and Non-Metals Flashcards
What do metals form when they react?
They form positive ions when they react.
Why is it better for non-metals to form negative ions rather than positive ions?
This is because non-metals are on the far right side of the periodic table meaning if they wanted to form positive ions they would have to lose more electrons than gaining electrons to get a full outer shell. Therefore it is better for non-metals to form negative ions.
Why do atoms generally react?
Atoms mainly react to get a full outer shell.
Name the main physical properties of a metal?
They are strong
They are malleable (bent or hammered into different shapes)
They have high melting and boiling points
They are great at conducting heat and electricity
Name the main physical properties of a non-metal?
They are dull-looking
They are more brittle
They aren’t always solids at room temperature
They don’t generally conduct electricity
They have a lower density
Explain how the electronic structure of a metal affects how it will react?
Metals to the left of the periodic table don’t have many electrons to remove .
Metals towards the bottom of the periodic table have outer electrons that are a long way from the nucleus so feel a weaker attraction. Both of these effects mean that not much energy is needed to remove the electrons so it’s feasible for the elements to react to form positive ions with a full outer shell.
Explain how the electronic structure of a non-metal affects how it will react?
For non-metals forming positive ions is more more difficult - this is because they are to the right of the periodic table meaning they need to remove lots of electrons to get a full outer shell. Towards the top of the table, where the outer electrons are closer to the nucleus so they feel a strong attraction. It’s way better for them to form negative ions by sharing or gaining electrons.
