Practice and Revision - Metals and Nonmetals

Core concept

Metals are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable (can be hammered into shapes), and ductile (can be drawn into wires).

How it works

Nonmetals are typically dull, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and brittle (breaking rather than bending) when solid.

Why it matters

Metals tend to lose electrons to form positive ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form negative ions in chemical reactions.

Key detail

Understanding metal and nonmetal properties helps explain their uses, like metals in wiring and construction, nonmetals in various compounds.