http://www.ck12.org Chapter 6. The Periodic Table
FIGURE 6.17
The elements mercury, gold, and copper
display properties that are common of
metals. Mercury (left) is the only metal
that is a liquid at room temperature. Even
in its liquid form, it still has a high luster.
Gold (middle) is malleable and can be
formed into very thin sheets called gold
leaf. Because copper (right) is ductile,
inexpensive, and a good conductor, it is
used extensively in electrical wiring.- large atomic radii
- low ionization energies
- low electronegativities
- generally high deformation
- malleable (can easily be hammered out without breaking)
- ductile (can be draw out into thin wire)
- thermal conductors (transfer heat well)
- electrical conductors (transfer electricity well)
Anonmetalis an element that is generally a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Many properties of nonmetals
are the opposite of those seen in metals. There is a wider variation in properties among the nonmetals than among
the metals, as seen inFigure6.18. Nonmetals exist in all three states of matter at room temperature. The majority
are gases, such as nitrogen and oxygen. Bromine is a liquid, and a few are solids, such as carbon and sulfur. In the
solid state, nonmetals are brittle, meaning that they will shatter if struck with a hammer. The solids are not lustrous,
and their melting points are generally much lower than those of metals. On the periodic table in theFigure6.16, the
nonmetals are shaded green and appear to the right of the stair-step line.
FIGURE 6.18
Nonmetals have properties that are unlike
those of metals. Sulfur (left) is brittle,
and its distinctive yellow color lacks luster.
Bromine (center) is the only liquid non-
metal and must be carefully handled due
to its toxicity. Helium (right), a colorless
and unreactive gas, is lighter than air and
thus is used in blimps.Properties of Nonmetals
- typically good oxidizing agents
- form acidic oxides
- have higher electronegativities