Are you trying to learn about the chemical properties of metals and non-metals? Chemistry can be very interesting if you want to explore the different facts about it. Other interesting concepts, starting from their reactions, composition, and how they can make an element from an entirely different element, can be fascinating.
Be it elements, periodic tables, or the details about metals and non-metals, sometimes it can be hard to remember every detail and property. But you need not have to worry about it. We have got you covered. Some easy tips can help you dig out the fun in learning the basics. To understand better, you have to learn what is metal and non-metal first.
Be it the chemical properties of Metals or non-metals; you can ace it perfectly with ease.
What are Metal and Non-Metal?
There are different types of materials present all over and are grouped into different categories. Some are categorized as metals, whereas some are categorized as non-metals based on their properties. Generally, the elements with properties like ductility, malleability, high boiling, and melting points are considered metals, while the opposites are non-metals. The things that you can touch, see, or sense are called the substance’s physical properties, like how hard an element is. In the same way, the chemical reactions that happen when the elements come in contact with different other elements come under the chemical properties.
Quick tips to learn the properties of Metals and Non-metals
There are some easy and fantastic tips which you can remember about the properties of Metals and Non-Metals. All the chemical properties of metals and nonmetals are related to their reactions with other substances like water, oxygen, acids, salts, etc. Let’s look into the five easy tips that you will be thankful for later.
- The “ve, -ve” signs: Once you can figure the signs, you will easily be able to figure out almost every chemical reaction. It will be easy to remember that metals always tend to take the positive position while non-metals take the negative position in any reactions.
Considering this point, you can easily remember that metals stay positive by donating their negative ions(electrons). At the same time, Non-metals gain the negative ion and become negative.
Example: Metal: Potassium(K) – electron(e– )= Potassium ion(K)
Non Metal: Chlorine(Cl) electron(e– ) = Chlorine(Cl–) - Learn from the periodic tables: Paste a colorful periodic table in front of your study table and classify the reactions based on it. It is said that what you see tends to log in to your mind more than what you read. The reaction of the substance generally goes from left to right. You will easily remember what you see.
- Find Reason: There are some reasons behind the reactions and how they react. If you understand why they form what they form, it will be easy to remember.
For example, Metals react with water to form metal oxide and hydrogen. As metals are positive, they take up the negative element, i.e. oxygen, from the water to form their compound as metal oxide. - Understand the pattern: There is some pattern in which the elements react. Try to figure out the pattern, and you will be good to go.
For example, at the extreme right of the periodic table, the metals are highly reactive, while as we go towards the left, the reactivity decreases, leaving non-metals to be less reactive. - Look around and understand: There is various substance around us that contains all the elements like things made up of iron, copper, aluminum, gold, silver, etc. Understand their properties in reference to general day-to-day life experiences.
For example, Gold and silver are exposed to air and water and do not react as non-metals do not react with air and water. In the same way, Iron or copper develops a thin layer on being exposed to air and water as metals are reactive. - Co-relate it with other properties: It will be easy if you can co-relate the properties. For example, Metal is acidic, and the reactive element turns litmus paper red. In the same way, Non-metals are bases and turn the litmus paper blue.
For example, the Metals in reaction with oxygen produce acidic metal oxides, while Non-metals produce a non-metallic oxide that is basic in nature. It is related to the metal being positive and nonmetals being negative ions. - Use of colored cards: You can also classify metals and non-metals by classifying the properties through 2 different colored cards. You can write the series of reactions of metals with other elements on one colored card and nonmetals on another. It will be a great help for you to classify and differentiate both of them.
For example, You can take red cards for metals and blue cards for non-metals. As red is associated with acids and blue with bases, you might find it easier to learn the reactions of the two.
Some Final tips to take with you:
- Don’t take it all in one go. Take smaller chunks of learning at a time.
- Take time to practice.
- Learn effectively with all understanding.
- Break reactions into your own simpler versions and understand.
- Find daily references to remember.
- Learn the exceptions as well.
- Take your test to know how well you understood.
Conclusion
You might find some of the tips handy and some not. You do not have to jot down all the things but indeed, try a few tricks. You may take the trick that you find most suitable. While it is easy to get some tricks for learning and remembering the lessons for long, there will be no substitute for hard work and practice. As for learning about the chemical properties of metals and non-metals, you have to pay keen attention to the little details, and all will be easier. All the best with the learning, and do share your doubts or experience with us.
