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Environmental Chemistry and Composition of Atmosphere

Summary This article provides a complete guide to  environmental chemistry  and the  composition of the Earth's atmosphere , tailored for secondary-level students and teachers. It explains the role of chemistry in understanding air pollution, greenhouse gases, and atmospheric layers. With simple language and deep insight, it is ideal for academic understanding. What is Environmental Chemistry? Environmental chemistry  is the study of chemical processes that occur in our environment. It focuses on how substances interact with air, water, and soil, and how these interactions affect life on Earth. Chemists study both natural cycles and human impacts to detect pollutants, develop solutions, and ensure a sustainable future. It also helps us understand phenomena like acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming. Related to another article   Why Environmental Chemistry Matters Today In today’s world, environmental chemistry helps us: Detect air and water pollution D...
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Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals – Explained with Real Examples

 

Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals – Explained with Real Examples 


Understanding the physical properties of metals and non-metals is a basic yet essential part of learning chemistry. Whether you're a Class 9 student or just someone curious about the topic, this article breaks down the differences between metals and non-metals using real-life examples, simple comparisons, and student-friendly language.

What Are Metals and Non-Metals?

All elements are divided into three major groups: metals, non-metals, and metalloids. Each group shows different physical and chemical behaviors. In this guide, we’ll focus only on the physical properties — the ones you can observe or measure.

Metals

Metals are usually shiny, solid, strong, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Most metals can be bent, stretched, or melted without breaking.

Examples: Iron, Gold, Silver, Copper, Aluminium

Non-Metals

Non-metals are often dull, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They may exist as gases, solids, or liquids at room temperature.

Examples: Oxygen, Sulphur, Carbon, Phosphorus

Physical Properties of Metals

Here are the most important physical characteristics of metals:

1. Lustre (Shininess)

Metals look shiny when polished.
Example: Gold and silver are known for their attractive shine.

2. Malleability (Can Be Hammered)

Metals can be shaped into sheets without breaking.
Example: Aluminium foil used in your kitchen.

3. Ductility (Can Be Drawn into Wires)

You can stretch metals into wires without snapping them.
Example: Copper is used in electric wires for this reason.

4. Conductivity

Metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
Example: Iron pans heat up quickly when used for cooking.

5. Hardness

Most metals are hard and can resist scratches.
Note: Sodium and potassium are exceptions—they’re soft.

6. Density

Metals usually feel heavy due to high density.
Example: Lead and iron are dense metals.

7. High Melting and Boiling Points

Metals don’t melt easily under normal heat.
Example: Iron melts at a very high temperature.

Physical Properties of Non-Metals

Now let’s see how non-metals behave differently:

1. Dull Appearance

Most non-metals lack shine.
Example: Sulphur and carbon look dull.

2. Brittleness

They break or shatter when hit.
Example: Phosphorus can break like chalk.

3. Non-Ductile

Non-metals can’t be stretched into wires.

4. Poor Conductors

They don’t conduct heat or electricity well.
Exception: Graphite (form of carbon) conducts electricity.

5. Softness

Non-metals are often soft.
Exception: Diamond (a form of carbon) is extremely hard.

6. Low Density

They are light in weight compared to metals.

7. Low Melting/Boiling Points

Many non-metals melt or boil at lower temperatures.

Metals vs. Non-Metals – Comparison Table

Real-Life Examples and Uses

  • Metals:
    Used in construction (iron), electrical wiring (copper), cooking utensils (aluminium), jewellery (gold and silver).

  • Non-Metals:
    Used in medicines (iodine), fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus), respiration (oxygen), and water purification (chlorine).

Common Questions Students Ask

Q1: Which metal is liquid at room temperature?
A: Mercury.

Q2: Name one non-metal that conducts electricity.
A: Graphite.

Q3: Is gold malleable?
A: Yes, it is one of the most malleable metals.

Q4: What makes metals good conductors?
A: Free electrons inside metals help conduct electricity and heat efficiently.

Conclusion

Now you understand the physical properties of metals and non-metals and how they are different from each other. Metals shine, stretch, conduct, and feel heavy. Non-metals, on the other hand, are usually dull, brittle, and poor conductors.

This knowledge will not only help you in exams but also in real-life understanding of materials around you.

About the Author

Waqas Ahmad
Senior Chemistry Teacher | 12 Years of Experience in the Public Sector

Waqas Ahmad is a passionate chemistry educator with over 12 years of experience teaching students in public schools. He founded ChemCore9-10 to help learners across Pakistan understand chemistry in simple, easy-to-digest language. His mission is to support students and teachers through high-quality, original, and practical content.


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