Metals and non-metals

Metals and non-metals

1. Properties

   • Are they solid, liquid or gases at room temperature?
     • Metals
       • Mostly solids, one liquid
     • Non-Metals
       • Mostly liquids and gases
   • Do they have high or low melting and boiling points?
     • Metals
       • High
     • Non-Metals
       • Low
   • Do they conduct electricity?
     • Metals
       • Yes
     • Non-Metals
       • No expect graphite
   • Do they conduct heat?
     • Metals
       • Yes
     • Non-Metals
       • No
   • Are they flexible?
     • Metals
       • Yes
     • Non-Metals
       • No
   • Are they malleable?
     • Metals
       • Yes
     • Non-Metals
       • No
   • Are they magnetic?
     • Metals
       • Yes but only 3 - iron, cobalt and nickle
     • Non-Metals
       • No
   • What sound do they make if you hit them?
     • Metals
       • Ringing sound (sonorous)
     • Non-Metals
       • Dull sound

2. What do we use metals for?

   • Tin
     • Used to coat cans
       • Because it doesn't rust easily
   • Aluminum
     • Used for sweet wrappers
       • Because it can be made into foil
     • Used for areoplanes
       • Because it's light
   • Copper wires
     • Used in electrical cables
       • Because it's a good conductor of electricity
     • Used for water pipes
       • Because it can be bent
   • Gold
     • Used for jewellery
       • Because it is shiny, looks good and lasts a long time
     • Used for headphone connections
       • Because it's a good conductor of electricity
   • Iron
     • Used for drain covers
       • Because it's cheap
     • Used for bridges
       • Because it's strong
   • Mercury
     • Used in thermometers
       • Because it's a metal which is liquid

3. Metals in cars

   • Chassis
     • Needs to be strong
       • To withstand the weight on the car and the people in it
       • To support the car
   • Body Panels
     • Needs to be strong
       • To protect the drivers and passengers
     • Needs to be malleable
       • To be able to be hammered into shape
   • Engine Block
     • Needs high melting and boiling points
       • So that if the engine gets hot the engine block won't melt
     • Needs to be strong
       • To make sure it doesn't get damaged
   • Electrical wiring
     • Needs to be a good conductor of electricity
       • To transmit the electrical signals all around the car
     • Needs to be flexible
       • To bend around different places in the car
   • Headlight filiments
     • Needs to have a high melting and boiling points
       • So that if the lights are on for a long time you wouldn't want the headlight filiments melting
     • Needs to be a good conductor of electricity
       • So the electricity can pass through