Metals and Non-Metals Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Metal: A substance that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity. ✅

• Non-Metal: Elements that are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity and can be gases, liquids, or brittle solids. ✅

Important Concepts

Properties of Metals

• Conductivity: Good conductors of heat and electricity. ✅

• Malleability: Can be hammered into thin sheets. ✅

• Ductility: Can be drawn into wires. ✅

Properties of Non-Metals

• Brittleness: Break easily when solid. ✅

• Insulators: Poor conductors of heat and electricity. ✅

• Variety of States: Can exist as gases (e.g., O₂), liquids (e.g., Br₂), or solids (e.g., S). ✅

Reaction with Oxygen

• Metals: Form basic oxides (e.g., MgO). ✅

• Non-Metals: Form acidic or neutral oxides (e.g., CO₂). ✅

Key Formulas

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing the properties of metals and non-metals; remember that metals are good conductors and malleable, while non-metals are insulators and brittle.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "MEND" for Metals:

• Malleable

• Electricity (good conductors)

• Non-brittle

• Ductile

Key Diagrams

Metals vs Non-Metals
+----------------+-----------------+
|     Metals     |    Non-Metals   |
+----------------+-----------------+
|   Shiny        |   Dull          |
|   Malleable    |   Brittle       |
|   Conductive    |   Insulating    |
|   Solid (most) |   Varied States  |
+----------------+-----------------+