Currently, there are 118 confirmed elements in the periodic table. These elements are arranged by atomic number from 1 to 118. They include naturally occurring elements and ones that have been discovered through artificial synthesis. The 118 elements can be categorized into Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids based on their properties. There are around 91 metals, 17 nonmetals, and roughly 7 metalloids.
These elements are commonly used to create alloys, like stainless steel, which contains metals and nonmetals such as iron, chromium, nickel, carbon, and nitrogen.
You can distinguish metals from nonmetals by their appearance. Metals have a reflective luster, while nonmetals do not. Additionally, metals are usually solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury. However, more in-depth knowledge is necessary to effectively differentiate between them.
What are Metals?
Metals are a class of elements that are typically characterized by their high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and luster. They tend to lose electrons easily, which gives them their conductive properties. Metals are generally solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid. They make up the majority of the periodic table and are found in various forms throughout the Earth’s crust.
Position in the periodic table: Usually on the left and in the middle.
Physical properties:
- Luster: Shiny and reflective.
- Conductivity: Good thermal and electrical conductivity.
- Ductility: Can be hammered into thin sheets.
- Toughness: Can be drawn into thin wires.
- State: Solid at room temperature (except for mercury, which is liquid).
- Density: Usually high.
Chemical properties:
- Reactivity: Tends to lose electrons (form cations) in chemical reactions.
- Oxidation: Metals oxidize or corrode over time (such as iron rusting).
Pure Iron
Classification of Metals:
Metals can be further classified into several categories based on their properties and uses:
- Alkali Metals: Very reactive, found in group 1 of the periodic table (e.g., sodium, potassium).
- Alkaline Earth Metals: Less reactive than alkali metals, found in group 2 (e.g., magnesium, calcium).
- Transition Metals: Include elements like iron, copper, and nickel, known for their strength and conductivity.
- Post-Transition Metals: Softer metals that include elements like tin and lead.
- Lanthanides and Actinides: Rare earth elements and radioactive metals.
Common Examples of Metals:
- Iron (Fe): Used in construction and manufacturing.
- Copper (Cu): Widely used in electrical wiring.
- Aluminum (Al): Used in packaging, construction, and transportation due to its lightweight and corrosion resistance.
- Lithium (Li) is widely used in the battery storage industry, including solar energy storage batteries, solar panels and car batteries.
- Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag): Valued for their rarity and used in jewelry, electronics, and as monetary standards.
What are Nonmetals？
Nonmetals are a class of elements that generally have properties opposite to those of metals. They are found on the right side of the periodic table, and they include a diverse range of elements with varying physical and chemical characteristics. Here are some key aspects of nonmetal
Position in the periodic table: Located on the right side of the periodic table.
Physical properties:
- Luster: Dull and non-reflective.
- Conductivity: Poor thermal and electrical conductivity (insulator).
- Ductility: Brittle cannot be hammered into thin sheets or drawn into thin wires.
- State: Exists in three states (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature.
- Density: Usually low.
Chemical properties:
- Reactivity: Tends to gain or share electrons in chemical reactions (forming anions or covalent bonds).
- Oxidation: Does not corrode but can form oxides (such as carbon dioxide CO₂)
Pure Carbon
Common Examples of Nonmetals:
- Gases: Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Chlorine (Cl)
- Solids: Carbon (C), Sulfur (S), Phosphorus (P)
- Liquids: Bromine (Br)
What are Metalloids?
Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are located along the zigzag line on the periodic table, which separates metals from nonmetals. Metalloids can exhibit a combination of characteristics from both groups, making them versatile and important in various applications.
Position in the periodic table: Located on the step-like dividing line between metals and nonmetals.
Physical properties:
- Luster: Can be shiny or dull.
- Conductivity: Semiconductor conductivity between metals and nonmetals.
- Ductility: Usually brittle.
- State: Solid at room temperature.
- Density: Between metals and nonmetals.
Chemical properties:
- Reactivity: Depending on the conditions, it can exhibit the properties of metals or nonmetals.
- Oxidation: Tends to form amphoteric or weakly acidic oxides.
Pure Silicon
Common Examples of Metalloids:
- Boron (B): Used in glass and ceramics, and as a semiconductor material.
- Silicon (Si): Essential in the electronics industry for making semiconductors and computer chips.
- Germanium (Ge): Used in electronics and as a semiconductor.
- Arsenic (As): Used in semiconductors and historically in pesticides and wood preservatives.
- Antimony (Sb): Used in flame retardants and in some alloys.
- Tellurium (Te): Used in metallurgy and in semiconductors.
Difference Between Metals Nonmetals and Metalloids
This table summarizes the differences between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids in terms of luster, conductivity, malleability, density, state, chemical reactivity, oxidation reactions, and examples.
| Property | Metals | Nonmetals | Metalloids |
| Luster | Typically shiny and reflective | Dull, non-reflective | Intermediate between metals and nonmetals, some have metallic luster |
| Conductivity | Good electrical and thermal conductivity | Poor electrical and thermal conductivity (usually insulators) | Semiconductors, conductivity intermediate between metals and nonmetals |
| Malleability | Can be hammered into thin sheets or drawn into wires | Brittle, cannot be hammered into thin sheets or drawn into wires | Generally brittle |
| Density | Usually high | Usually low | Intermediate between metals and nonmetals |
| State | Solid (Mercury is liquid) | Solid, liquid, or gas | Solid |
| Chemical Reactivity | Tends to lose electrons to form cations | Tends to gain or share electrons to form anions or covalent bonds | Depends on conditions, can either lose or gain/share electrons |
| Oxidation Reaction | Easily reacts with oxygen to form oxides (e.g., rust) | Nonmetal oxides are typically acidic (e.g., carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid) | Metalloids oxides can be acidic or amphoteric |
| Examples | Iron (Fe), Gold (Au), Aluminum (Al) | Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl) | Silicon (Si), Arsenic (As), Germanium (Ge) |
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