GCSE Chemistry - Metals & Non-metals: Electron Arrangement & Properties

Summary

The video explains the differences between metals and non-metals based on their electron arrangements, reactivity, and physical properties. Metals, found mostly on the left of the periodic table, form positive ions and are reactive, especially towards the bottom. They have strong metallic bonds, are malleable, good conductors of heat and electricity, and have high melting points. Non-metals, in contrast, are brittle, have low boiling points, and are poor conductors. Transition metals, located in the center, have unique properties like forming multiple ions and being good catalysts, which are useful in chemical reactions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Metals are predominantly found on the bottom left of the periodic table and typically form positive ions.
• 😀 Non-metals tend to form negative ions or, in some cases, no ions at all, like carbon.
• 😀 Elements on the left of the periodic table have fewer electrons in their outer shell, making it easier to lose them and form positive ions.
• 😀 Non-metals like chlorine are less likely to form positive ions due to having more electrons in their outer shell, requiring more energy to lose them.
• 😀 Metals become more reactive as you move down the periodic table, due to more electron shells and weaker attraction to the nucleus.
• 😀 The strength of the nucleus' pull on outer electrons decreases in larger atoms, making it easier for them to lose electrons and form positive ions.
• 😀 Metals possess metallic bonding, which is responsible for their strong physical properties like malleability, conductivity, and high melting and boiling points.
• 😀 Non-metals are generally dull, brittle, poor conductors of electricity, and have low melting and boiling points.
• 😀 Transition metals, found in the center of the periodic table, exhibit typical metal properties but also have unique characteristics like forming multiple ions.
• 😀 Transition metals are known for their ability to act as catalysts in chemical reactions, increasing reaction rates without being consumed.

Q & A

Why do most elements on the periodic table appear to be metals?

Most elements are metals because they are located towards the bottom left of the periodic table, where the electron arrangements make it easier for them to lose electrons and form positive ions.

What is a key characteristic of metals when they react?

A key characteristic of metals when they react is that they tend to form positive ions. For example, calcium forms a Ca²⁺ ion when it reacts.

How do non-metals differ from metals in terms of ion formation?

Non-metals either do not form ions, like carbon, or they form negative ions, like chloride (Cl⁻), as opposed to metals which form positive ions.

Why is it easier for metals like calcium to form positive ions compared to non-metals like chlorine?

Metals like calcium have fewer electrons in their outermost shell, making it easier to lose these electrons and form positive ions. Chlorine, on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outer shell and would require a lot of energy to lose all seven.

How does the position of elements on the periodic table relate to their reactivity?

Elements further down the periodic table, like lead, are more reactive because their outermost electrons are farther from the nucleus and are therefore more easily lost due to weaker attraction from the nucleus.

What is metallic bonding, and how does it affect the properties of metals?

Metallic bonding is a strong type of bond that only metals have. It is responsible for the physical properties of metals, such as being malleable, strong, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

What are some physical properties of metals?

Metals are typically strong, malleable, good conductors of heat and electricity, shiny, sonorous (create a ringing sound when struck), and have high melting and boiling points.

How do non-metals compare to metals in terms of physical properties?

Non-metals are generally dull, brittle, poor conductors of electricity, and have low melting and boiling points. Many non-metals are gaseous at room temperature.

What are transition metals, and how do they differ from other metals?

Transition metals are found in the center of the periodic table. They share all the typical properties of metals but also have unique features, such as being able to form multiple ions and often being colored in their ionic forms.

What is the role of transition metals as catalysts?

Transition metals are often used as catalysts, substances that increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed. For example, iron is used in the Haber process to make ammonia, and nickel is used in hydrogenation to make margarine.