Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids

The elements of the periodic table are divided by a heavy “staircase” line into metals on the left, non-metals on the right, metalloids in the middle part of the periodic table.

Metals on the left of the periodic table are shiny, conduct heat and electricity and can be shaped into sheets or wire. Except for mercury, all metals are solids at room temperature (about 20oC). Metals have the ability to form a metallic bond. The more the electrons involved in the metallic bond the stronger the metallic bond the will form. For example, sodium metal is malleable with only one valence electron involved in the metallic bond. Aluminium has a strong bond due to t

he involvement of three electrons in the metallic bond.

Non-metals, on the other hand, are found in the right part of the periodic table. Non-metals are not shiny, do not conduct heat or electricity, and cannot be shaped. Most of the non-metals are either gas (for example, chlorine and oxygen) or solids (for example, phosphorus and sulfur). Bromine is the only liquid non-metals.

The elements bordering the staircase line in the periodic table are called metalloids, or semimetals. A metalloid, or semimetal, is an element having both metallic and non-metallic properties. These elements, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), are usually good semiconductors—elements. Semiconductors are a poor conductor in their pure state but good conductors at higher temperature.

Non-metals, on the other hand, are found in the right part of the periodic table. Non-metals are not shiny, do not conduct heat or electricity, and cannot be shaped. Most of the non-metals are either gas (for example, chlorine and oxygen) or solid (for example, phosphorus and sulfur). Bromine is the only liquid non-metals.

The elements bordering the staircase line in the periodic table are called metalloids, or semimetals. A metalloid, or semimetal, is an element having both metallic and non-metallic properties. These elements, such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), are usually good semiconductors—elements. Semiconductors are a poor conductor in their pure state but good conductors at a higher temperature.