Metals and Non-metals — Chapter Summary

Metals are generally hard

Metals are generally hard, shiny, malleable, ductile, sonorous, and good conductors of heat and electricity. Silver and copper are the best conductors

Non

Non-metals are usually dull, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They are either solids or gases, except bromine, which is a liquid.

Most metals combine with oxygen

Most metals combine with oxygen to form metal oxides. Metal oxides are generally basic, while aluminium oxide and zinc oxide are amphoteric and react

Potassium and sodium react violently

Potassium and sodium react violently with cold water, calcium reacts less violently, magnesium reacts with hot water, and aluminium, zinc, and iron re

Metals generally react with dilute acids

Metals generally react with dilute acids to form salt and hydrogen. Copper does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid. Nitric acid usually does not