What are metal? State all the …

(a) Physical Properties of Metals

       •   Lustre: Metals in the pure state generally shine. The shine on the metallic surface is called the metallic lustre.

       •   Malleability: The property of metals by which they can be beaten into thin sheets is known as malleability.

      For example, silver metal is beaten to make silver foil used for decorating sweets.

       •   Ductility: It is one of the properties of metals by virtue of which they can be drawn into wires. For example, copper and iron can be drawn into wires.

       •   Conductivity: Metals are good conductor of heat and electricity. Heat and electricity can pass through them.

       •   Sonorous: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck hard. So, they are called sonorous.

       •   Solid: All metals are solid except Mercury, the only metal which is liquid at room temperate. We can cut sodium (Na) and potassium (K) metals with the help of a knife. Mercury, sodium and potassium are exceptional metals. Examples of metals: iron, copper, gold, aluminium, silver, calcium etc.

(b) Physical Properties of Non-Metals

       •   Solid non-metals are soft and dull. They break down into a powdery mass on tapping with a hammer. For example, coal and sulphur.

       •   Non-metals are not sonorous.

       •   They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

       •   They do not possess metallic lusture.

       •   They possess no malleability and ductility.

      Examples of non-metals: phosphorus, sulphur, carbon, oxygen etc.