Where are metals and non-metals found in the Periodic Table, and what is special about the transition metals?
Locate metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table, compare their properties, and describe the characteristic properties of the transition metals
A focused answer to the N(A) Chemistry outcome on metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table. Where each is found, how their properties compare, and the special properties of the transition metals such as variable oxidation and coloured compounds.
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What this dot point is asking
The syllabus wants you to locate metals and non-metals in the Periodic Table, to compare their physical and chemical properties, and to describe the special properties of the transition metals, the block of metals between Groups II and III. The key idea is that most of the table is metals, found on the left and middle, with a smaller block of non-metals on the right, and the transition metals have extra properties that make them especially useful.
The answer
Where metals and non-metals are found
Most elements are metals, found on the left and middle of the Periodic Table. The non-metals are found on the right-hand side and top. A zig-zag line near the right separates them. Group 0 (the noble gases) on the far right are non-metals.
Comparing physical properties
Most metals:
- conduct electricity and heat well,
- are shiny when polished,
- are malleable (can be hammered or bent into shape) and ductile (can be drawn into wires),
- have high melting and boiling points and high densities.
Most non-metals:
- are poor conductors of electricity and heat (carbon as graphite is an exception),
- are dull and brittle when solid,
- have low melting and boiling points, and many are gases.
Comparing chemical properties
- Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions, and their oxides are basic.
- Non-metals tend to gain or share electrons to form negative ions or molecules, and their oxides are often acidic.
The transition metals
The transition metals form the wide block in the middle of the table (such as iron, copper, and zinc). Compared with Group I metals they are:
- much harder, stronger, and denser, with higher melting points,
- able to form ions with more than one charge (variable oxidation states), such as and ,
- often forming coloured compounds,
- useful as catalysts (substances that speed up reactions).
Examples in context
Example 1. Copper in electrical wiring. Copper is a transition metal that conducts electricity very well and can be drawn into long wires, so it is used throughout electrical systems. This shows how a metal's physical properties, conductivity and ductility, decide its real-world use.
Example 2. Coloured gemstones and glazes. The colours of many gemstones and pottery glazes come from transition-metal compounds. The ability of transition metals to form coloured compounds, one of their signature properties, is put to use in art and decoration as well as in chemical tests.
Try this
Q1. State two physical properties typical of a metal. [2 marks]
- Cue. Any two of: good conductor of electricity and heat, shiny when polished, malleable and ductile, high melting point and density.
Q2. Explain why a metal oxide and a non-metal oxide differ in their acid-base nature. [2 marks]
- Cue. Metal oxides are basic (they react with acids), while non-metal oxides are usually acidic; this reflects metals losing electrons and non-metals gaining or sharing them.
Q3. State two properties of the transition metals that Group I metals do not share. [2 marks]
- Cue. Any two of: much harder and stronger with higher melting points, form ions of more than one charge, form coloured compounds, act as catalysts.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of SEAB exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Original4 marks(a) State two physical properties that most metals have and that most non-metals do not. (b) State on which side of the Periodic Table the non-metals are found.Show worked answer →
(a) Most metals conduct electricity and heat well, are shiny when polished, and are malleable (can be bent or hammered into shape) and have high melting points. Any two such as good conductor of electricity and malleable. Most non-metals are poor conductors and are brittle when solid.
(b) The non-metals are found on the right-hand side (and top) of the Periodic Table.
What markers reward: two correct metal properties, the matching contrast with non-metals being acceptable, and the non-metals on the right-hand side.
Original4 marksIron is a transition metal. (a) State two properties of transition metals that make them different from Group I metals. (b) Give one use of a transition metal or its compound that depends on such a property.Show worked answer →
(a) Transition metals are much harder, stronger, and denser than Group I metals, have higher melting points, can form ions with more than one charge (variable oxidation states), form coloured compounds, and often act as catalysts. Any two of these.
(b) Iron is used as a catalyst in making ammonia, or transition metal compounds are used as coloured pigments; copper is used in wiring because it is a strong, good conductor. Any one use linked to a property.
What markers reward: two correct transition-metal properties, and a use clearly linked to a property such as catalysis, colour, or strength.
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