From Atoms to Materials

Physical property Metals Non-metals State at room conditions most are solids most are gases or solids Appearance of its solid usually shiny usually dull Melting point and boiling point usually high usually low Hardness and strength usually hard and strong with great variations Ductility and malleability ductile and malleable not ductile, not malleable, some solids are brittle* Density usually high usually low Thermal conductivity high usually low Electrical conductivity high usually low Table 13.4 Typical differences in the physical properties of metals and non-metals Snapshot Physical properties of metals and non-metals: exceptions There are some exceptions to the physical properties of metals and non-metals listed in Table 13.4. Here are some examples: brittle 脆 Metals Non-metals Mercury has a low melting point (−38.8 ˚C). It is a liquid at room conditions. Sodium is soft. It can be cut easily. A brittle solid breaks easily when it is hit. Graphite and diamond have different physical properties. This is because carbon atoms are arranged differently in graphite and diamond. Carbon (graphite) is a good conductor of electricity. Carbon (diamond) is very hard. 22 © United Prime Educational Publishing (HK) Limited 2024 All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Sample