Metals and non-metals

Apprends en jouant

Réponds à ces questions pour gagner de l'énergie, puis pêche et explore. Sans compte.

Pour les profs : diapos de leçon, notes de révision, schémas prêts à l'emploi pour Metals and non-metals (KS3 Science, Chemistry) — utilise-les en cours, ou lance le thème en activité de classe interactive que tes élèves jouent en direct.

Notes de leçon

Organising Elements

There are over 100 known elements.
Elements are organised in the periodic table according to their properties and atomic number (number of protons).
Elements are categorised as metals and non-metals based on their properties.

Electrical Conductivity

Metals are good electrical conductors (low resistance).
Non-metals are poor electrical conductors (electrical insulators, high resistance).
Example: Copper is used for electrical wires because it is a good electrical conductor.

Thermal Conductivity

Metals are good thermal conductors (conduct heat well).
Non-metals are usually thermal insulators (poor conductors of heat).
Example: Aluminium is used for cooking pans because it is a good thermal conductor.

Malleability, Ductility, and Strength

Metals are generally malleable (can be shaped), ductile (drawn into wires), and strong.
Non-metals are generally brittle (break easily).
Example: Steel is used in construction for its strength; copper is used for wires because it is ductile.

Melting and Boiling Points

Metals usually have high melting and boiling points.
Non-metals often have low melting and boiling points; many are gases at room temperature.
Example: Iron melts at 1500 °C, oxygen melts at -220 °C.

Summary of Properties

Metals: good electrical and thermal conductors, malleable, ductile, strong, high melting/boiling points.
Non-metals: poor electrical and thermal conductors (insulators), brittle, low melting/boiling points, often gases.

Bohr model of iron (Fe), a typical metal, showing its electron configuration.

Particle arrangement in solids (metal), liquids, and gases (non-metal). Metals are usually solid at room temperature; many non-metals are gases.

Diapos

Step through every slide for this topic — plus flashcards and revision notes — with a free account.

S'INSCRIRE — GRATUIT CONNEXION

Questions d'entraînement

Aperçu gratuit — 8 sur 54 questions. Inscris-toi pour toutes les voir.

1.Which of the following is a property of metals?
Easy
- AGood electrical conductors
- BPoor thermal conductors
- CBrittle
- DLow melting points
2.Which statement about non-metals is correct?
Easy
- ANon-metals are usually ductile.
- BNon-metals are often good electrical insulators.
- CNon-metals have high melting points.
- DNon-metals are generally strong.
3.What does the atomic number of an element represent?
Easy
- ANumber of neutrons
- BNumber of protons
- CNumber of electrons and neutrons
- DNumber of nucleons
4.Copper is often used for electrical wires. Which two properties make it suitable?
Medium
- AGood electrical conductor and ductile
- BGood thermal conductor and malleable
- CStrong and brittle
- DHigh melting point and low density
5.Why are cooking pans often made of aluminium?
Easy
- AAluminium is a good electrical conductor.
- BAluminium is a good thermal conductor.
- CAluminium is brittle and light.
- DAluminium has a low melting point.
6.Which of the following is true about the melting points of metals compared to non-metals?
Easy
- AMetals usually have lower melting points than non-metals.
- BMetals usually have higher melting points than non-metals.
- CMetals and non-metals have similar melting points.
- DNon-metals always have higher melting points than metals.
7.What does it mean if a material is malleable?
Easy
- AIt can be drawn out into thin wires.
- BIt can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.
- CIt is a good conductor of electricity.
- DIt breaks easily when hit.
8.Which of the following is a property of non-metals?
Easy
- AGood electrical conductors
- BMalleable
- CBrittle
- DHigh melting points

Plus de questions

9.The melting point of iron is 1500 °C, while the melting point of oxygen is -220 °C. What does this suggest about iron and oxygen?
Medium
- AIron is a non-metal and oxygen is a metal.
- BIron is a metal and oxygen is a non-metal.
- CBoth are metals.
- DBoth are non-metals.
10.Why are elements organised in the periodic table?
Easy
- ABy their atomic mass only
- BBy their properties and atomic number
- CBy their colour and state
- DBy their date of discovery
11.Which of the following is a non-metal?
Easy
- ACopper
- BIron
- COxygen
- DAluminium
12.Which property makes steel suitable for construction?
Easy
- AIt is ductile.
- BIt is strong.
- CIt is a good electrical conductor.
- DIt has a low melting point.
13.A student tested the electrical conductivity of four unknown solids. The results are shown in the table. Which solid is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- ASolid A – conducts electricity
- BSolid B – does not conduct electricity
- CSolid C – conducts electricity
- DSolid D – conducts electricity
14.The melting point of element X is 650°C and it conducts electricity when solid. Which group is element X most likely in?
Medium
- AMetals
- BNon-metals
- CNoble gases
- DHalogens
15.A student measures the thermal conductivity of four materials. Which material is most likely a metal?
Medium
- AMaterial P – poor thermal conductor
- BMaterial Q – good thermal conductor
- CMaterial R – poor thermal conductor
- DMaterial S – poor thermal conductor
16.Which property of copper makes it suitable for use in electrical wires?
Easy
- AIt is a good electrical conductor.
- BIt is a good thermal insulator.
- CIt is brittle.
- DIt has a low melting point.
17.A material is malleable, ductile, and strong. It is most likely a:
Easy
- Ametal
- Bnon-metal
- Cnoble gas
- Dmetalloid
18.The table shows the melting points and electrical conductivity of four elements. Which element is a non-metal?
Medium
- AElement W – melting point 3500°C, conducts electricity
- BElement X – melting point 1085°C, conducts electricity
- CElement Y – melting point -210°C, does not conduct electricity
- DElement Z – melting point 660°C, conducts electricity
19.Which statement about the periodic table is correct?
Easy
- AElements are arranged by atomic mass.
- BElements are arranged by atomic number.
- CElements are arranged alphabetically.
- DElements are arranged by date of discovery.
20.An element has a high melting point, is a good conductor of electricity, and can be hammered into sheets. This element is likely a:
Medium
- Ametal
- Bnon-metal
- Cnoble gas
- Dhalogen
21.A student investigates the brittleness of four samples. Which sample is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- ASample 1 – bends without breaking
- BSample 2 – shatters when hit
- CSample 3 – can be stretched into a wire
- DSample 4 – can be hammered into a sheet
22.Which of these is a non-metal?
Easy
- AIron
- BCopper
- COxygen
- DAluminium
23.A student is given four solid samples: W, X, Y, and Z. They test each sample for electrical conductivity and malleability. The results are shown in the table. Which sample is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- AW: conducts electricity, malleable
- BX: does not conduct electricity, brittle
- CY: conducts electricity, brittle
- DZ: does not conduct electricity, malleable
24.A student investigates the thermal conductivity of four materials by wrapping them around a metal rod and measuring the time for a wax bead to melt. The results are: Material A: 15 s, Material B: 45 s, Material C: 30 s, Material D: 60 s. Which material is most likely a metal?
Medium
- AMaterial A (15 s)
- BMaterial B (45 s)
- CMaterial C (30 s)
- DMaterial D (60 s)
25.Copper is used for electrical wires because it is a good electrical conductor. What does 'good electrical conductor' mean?
Easy
- AIt has high resistance.
- BIt allows current to flow easily.
- CIt is a thermal insulator.
- DIt is brittle.
26.Why are cooking pans made of metals?
Easy
- AMetals are good thermal insulators.
- BMetals are good thermal conductors.
- CMetals are brittle.
- DMetals have low melting points.
27.A student tests the electrical conductivity of a liquid X. The bulb in the circuit does not light up. When solid X is tested, the bulb also does not light up. What can be concluded about X?
Medium
- AX is a metal.
- BX is a non-metal.
- CX is a good conductor.
- DX has a high melting point.
28.A material is described as ductile. What does this mean?
Easy
- AIt can be hammered into thin sheets.
- BIt can be drawn out into thin wires.
- CIt breaks easily when bent.
- DIt is a good thermal insulator.
29.A student has four elements: P, Q, R, and S. P has a melting point of 650°C and conducts electricity when solid. Q has a melting point of -220°C and does not conduct electricity. R has a melting point of 1500°C and conducts electricity. S has a melting point of 100°C and does not conduct electricity. Which element is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- AP
- BQ
- CR
- DS
30.Which of the following elements is a non-metal?
Easy
- AIron
- BCopper
- COxygen
- DAluminium
31.What does it mean if a material is ductile?
Easy
- AIt can be drawn out into thin wires.
- BIt is a good conductor of heat.
- CIt is brittle.
- DIt has a low melting point.
32.Why is copper used for electrical wires?
Easy
- AIt is a good thermal conductor.
- BIt is a good electrical conductor and ductile.
- CIt is strong and brittle.
- DIt has a low melting point.
33.What does 'good electrical conductor' mean?
Easy
- AIt has high resistance.
- BIt allows current to flow easily.
- CIt is an insulator.
- DIt has low thermal conductivity.
34.A student tests the electrical conductivity of a liquid X. The bulb in the circuit does not light up. When solid X is tested, the bulb also does not light up. What can you conclude about X?
Medium
- AX is a metal.
- BX is a non-metal.
- CX is a good conductor.
- DX has a low melting point.
35.A student is given four unknown solids. The table shows the results of testing their electrical conductivity and whether they are malleable or brittle. Which solid is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- ASolid W: conducts electricity, malleable
- BSolid X: does not conduct electricity, brittle
- CSolid Y: conducts electricity, brittle
- DSolid Z: does not conduct electricity, malleable
36.A student investigates the thermal conductivity of four materials by wrapping them around a metal rod and measuring the time for a wax bead to melt. The results are shown in the table. Which material is most likely a metal?
Medium
- AMaterial A: 10 seconds
- BMaterial B: 45 seconds
- CMaterial C: 120 seconds
- DMaterial D: 300 seconds
37.The melting points of four elements are: Element P: 650°C, Element Q: -220°C, Element R: 1083°C, Element S: -101°C. Which element is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- AElement P
- BElement Q
- CElement R
- DElement S
38.A material is described as having high electrical resistance and being brittle. Which of the following best describes this material?
Medium
- AIt is a metal because metals have high resistance.
- BIt is a non-metal because non-metals have high resistance and are brittle.
- CIt is a metal because metals are brittle.
- DIt is a non-metal because non-metals have low resistance.
39.A student measures the density of four elements. Which element is most likely a non-metal?
Medium
- AElement A: 8.9 g/cm³
- BElement B: 2.7 g/cm³
- CElement C: 0.0012 g/cm³
- DElement D: 7.9 g/cm³
40.An element has a melting point of 650°C and conducts electricity when solid. Which group is this element most likely in?
Hard
- AGroup 1 (alkali metals)
- BGroup 0 (noble gases)
- CGroup 7 (halogens)
- DGroup 6 (chalcogens)
41.Metals are good thermal insulators.
Easy
True or false?
42.Non-metals are ductile.
Easy
True or false?
43.The atomic number is the number of protons in an element.
Easy
True or false?
44.Which property is generally true of non-metals?
Easy
- AThey are good electrical conductors.
- BThey are malleable.
- CThey have low melting points.
- DThey are ductile.
45.What does it mean if a material is a good electrical conductor?
Easy
- AIt has a high resistance.
- BIt allows electric current to flow through easily.
- CIt is brittle.
- DIt has a low melting point.
46.Why is copper often used for electrical wires?
Easy
- AIt is a poor electrical conductor.
- BIt is ductile and a good electrical conductor.
- CIt has a low melting point.
- DIt is brittle.
47.Which statement about the melting points of metals and non-metals is correct?
Medium
- AMetals usually have low melting points, non-metals have high melting points.
- BBoth metals and non-metals have similar melting points.
- CMetals usually have high melting points, non-metals often have low melting points.
- DNon-metals usually have high melting points, metals have low melting points.
48.Match each property to whether it is typical of metals or non-metals.
Medium
- Good electrical conductor
- Brittle
- High melting point
- Ductile
- Metal
- Non-metal
49.Arrange the following elements in order of increasing melting point (lowest first): iron (metal), oxygen (non-metal), aluminium (metal), sulfur (non-metal).
Medium
- Oxygen
- Sulfur
- Aluminium
- Iron
50.Which of the following are properties of non-metals? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- ABrittle
- BGood electrical conductor
- CLow melting point
- DMalleable
- EThermal insulator
51.Complete the sentence:
Easy
Metals are good electrical conductors because they have low ____.
52.Describe what the word 'malleable' means.
Easy
53.Describe why cooking pans are made of metals.
Medium
54.Complete the sentences using the words: conductor, insulator, high, low.
Medium
Metals are good thermal ____ and have ____ melting points. Non-metals are thermal ____ and have ____ melting points.

Notes de révision

## Metals vs Non-Metals: Quick Revision - **Metals**: good electrical & thermal conductors, malleable, ductile, strong, high melting/boiling points. - **Non-metals**: poor conductors (insulators), brittle, low melting/boiling points, often gases at room temp. ### Key Properties - **Electrical conductor**: low resistance, allows current to flow. Metals are good; non-metals are poor (insulators). - **Thermal conductor**: conducts heat well. Metals are good; non-metals are insulators. - **Malleable**: can be hammered into shapes. - **Ductile**: can be drawn into wires. - **Brittle**: breaks easily. ### Examples - **Copper**: used in wires (good electrical conductor, ductile). - **Aluminium**: used in pans (good thermal conductor). - **Steel**: used in construction (strong). - **Iron**: melting point 1500°C; **Oxygen**: melting point -220°C. ### Periodic Table - Elements organised by atomic number (number of protons) and properties. - Metals and non-metals have distinct properties.

Atomic number: The number of protons in an element.
Electrical conductor: A material that allows current to flow easily; has low resistance.
Electrical insulator: A poor electrical conductor; has high resistance.
Thermal conductor: A material that conducts heat well.
Thermal insulator: A poor thermal conductor.
Malleable: Easy to make into different shapes.
Ductile: Can be drawn out into thin wires.
Brittle: Breaks easily.
Resistance: A measure of how hard it is for current to flow through something.

Cartes mémo

What are the two main categories of elements in the periodic table?

Metals and non-metals.

How are elements organised in the periodic table?

Elements are organised according to their properties and atomic number (number of protons).

What is the atomic number of an element?

The atomic number is the number of protons in an element.

Are metals generally good or poor electrical conductors?

Metals are generally good electrical conductors.

What is a poor electrical conductor also called?

An electrical insulator.

What is resistance?

Resistance is a measure of how hard it is for current to flow through something.

Give an example of a metal used for electrical wires and explain why.

Copper is often used for electrical wires because it is a good electrical conductor and ductile.

Are metals generally good or poor thermal conductors?

Metals are generally good thermal conductors.

What is a thermal insulator?

A material that is a poor conductor of heat.

Give an example of a metal used for cooking pans and explain why.

Aluminium is often used for cooking pans because it is a good thermal conductor.

What does malleable mean?

Malleable means easy to make into different shapes.

What does ductile mean?

Ductile means can be drawn out into thin wires.

Are metals generally strong or brittle?

Metals are generally strong.

Are non-metals generally strong or brittle?

Non-metals are generally brittle.

How do the melting and boiling points of metals compare to non-metals?

Metals usually have high melting and boiling points, while non-metals often have low melting and boiling points.

What state are many non-metals at room temperature?

Many non-metals are gases at room temperature.

What is the melting point of iron?

1500 °C.

What is the melting point of oxygen?

-220 °C.

True or false: Metals are good thermal insulators.

False. Metals are good thermal conductors.

True or false: Non-metals are ductile.

False. Non-metals are generally brittle.

True or false: The atomic number is the number of neutrons in an element.

False. The atomic number is the number of protons.

Why is steel often used in construction?

Steel is often used in construction because it is strong.

What does it mean for a material to be a good electrical conductor?

A good electrical conductor has low resistance, allowing current to flow easily.

Unlock all 54 questions, flashcards & more

Crée un compte gratuit pour voir toutes les questions, les diapos, les cartes mémo et les notes de révision de ce thème.

S'INSCRIRE — GRATUIT CONNEXION

Annales

Les annales d'entraînement pour ce thème arrivent bientôt.

Bientôt disponible