Properties of Metals & Nonmetals

Physical Properties

Metals

Nonmetals

appearance

shiny (metallic luster)

Dull

state at room temperature

solid (except mercury, which is a liquid)

about half are solids, about half are gases, and one (bromine) is a liquid

density

high (they feel heavy for their size)

low (they feel light for their size)

malleable or brittle

malleable (they bend without breaking)

brittle (they break or shatter when hammered)

ductility

ductile

non-ductile

thermal conductivity

good

poor (they are insulators)

electrical conductivity

good

poor (they are insulators, apart from graphite)

magnetic material

only iron, cobalt and nickel

none

sound when hit

they make a ringing sound.

they make a dull sound

Chemical properties

Metals

Nonmetals

valence electrons

usually 1-3

usually 4-8

bonding

typically lose valence electrons

gain or share valence electrons

oxides

basic

acidic

redox potential

reducing agents

oxidizing agents

electronegativity

lower

higher