CLASSIFICATION OF NON-LIVING THINGS INTO METALS AND NON-METALS METALS

Metals are elements that readily form positive ions and have metallic bonds.  Examples are copper, iron, copper, etc.

Properties of Metals

1. They are good conductors of heat and electricity
2. They are lustrous i.e. shiny and can be polished.
3. They are malleable, that is, they are capable of being beaten into thin sheets.
4. They are ductile, that is, they can be drawn into thin wire.
5. They are generally strong and hard with high tensile strength
6. They are sonorous, that is, they produce sound when struck.
7. They have high densities.
8. They have high melting and boiling points

NON-METALS

These are elements that do not have the properties of metals. Examples are sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine. Etc.

Properties of Non-metals

1. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity
2. They are not lustrous
3. They are not malleable
4. They are not ductile
5. They are not sonorous
6. They have low melting and boiling point
7. They have low densities

Differences between metals and non-metals

Uses of Metals

1. They are used for building houses, bridges and water tanks
2. They are used for manufacturing vehicles and aeroplanes
3. They are used for making looking utensils such as pot, kettle, etc.
4. In making cutleries like spoons, knives, forks
5. For making trophies and jewelries
6. They are used in automobile and building constructions

Uses of Non-metals

1. Wood or rubber can be used for making tool handles
2. They are used as insulators for most electrical appliances
3. Wood can be used making furniture
4. Wood is used in construction of boats and canoes
5. Used in roofing buildings
6. Plastics can be used in making containers

CLASSWORK

1. What are metals? Give three examples
2. State five examples of non-metals

ASSIGNMENT

SECITION A

1. Which of the following is not a product made from metal (a) shoe (b) burglary (c) engines (d) knife blade
2. The following are non-metals except (a) wood (b) plastic (c) rubber (d) zinc
3. Which of these can be used as insulator (i) wood (ii) rubber (iii) zinc (a) I only (b) I and II only (c) III only (d) all of the above
4. _____ are good conductors of heat and electricity (a) metals (b) wood (c) rubber (d) plastic
5. Which of these has the lowest density (a) diamond (b) aluminum (c) plastic (d) stone

SECTION B

1. In a tabular form, state four differences between metals and non-metals.
2. State two uses of metals.

See also

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS

LIVING AND NON-LIVING THINGS

MATTER

Properties of metals

BODY IMAGE