Chemistry Lesson Note On Metals and Non-Metals – Properties and Uses

Topic: Metals and Non-Metals – Properties and Uses

Class: SS1

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Specific Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define and differentiate between metals and non-metals.
2. List the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals.
3. Identify common examples of metals and non-metals.
4. State the uses of metals and non-metals in everyday life.
5. Appreciate the importance of metals and non-metals in science and technology.

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Instructional Materials:

• Samples of common metals (e.g., iron, copper, aluminum)
• Samples of non-metals (e.g., sulfur, carbon, plastic, wood)
• Periodic table chart
• Simple experiments showing metal reactivity (e.g., iron in acid)
• Chalkboard/whiteboard and marker

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Lesson Content:

Step 1: Meaning and Classification

• Metals are elements that readily lose electrons to form positive ions (cations) and have metallic bonds.
• Non-Metals are elements that gain or share electrons when reacting and do not exhibit metallic bonding.

Position on the Periodic Table:

• Metals: Found on the left and middle of the periodic table.
• Non-metals: Found on the right side of the periodic table (except hydrogen).

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Step 2: Physical Properties of Metals vs Non-Metals

Property	Metals	Non-Metals
Appearance	Shiny (lustrous)	Dull
State at Room Temp	Mostly solids (except mercury)	Solids or gases (except bromine)
Conductivity	Good conductors of heat/electricity	Poor conductors
Malleability	Malleable (can be hammered)	Brittle (breaks easily)
Ductility	Ductile (can be drawn into wires)	Not ductile
Density	High	Low
Melting/Boiling Point	High	Low to moderate

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Step 3: Chemical Properties

Metals:

• Lose electrons to form cations.

• React with acids to release hydrogen gas.
  Example:
  

• React with oxygen to form basic oxides.
  

Non-Metals:

• Gain or share electrons to form anions or covalent bonds.
• Do not react with acids in the same way as metals.
• Form acidic or neutral oxides.
  

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Step 4: Examples of Metals and Non-Metals

• Common Metals: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), Gold (Au), Zinc (Zn)
• Common Non-Metals: Sulfur (S), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P)

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Step 5: Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

Uses of Metals:

• Iron: Used in construction and manufacturing tools.
• Copper: Used in electrical wiring.
• Aluminum: Used in aircraft, cans, and cooking utensils.
• Gold & Silver: Used in jewelry and electronics.
• Zinc: Used for galvanizing iron.

Uses of Non-Metals:

• Oxygen: Essential for respiration.
• Nitrogen: Used in fertilizers and preservation of food.
• Carbon: Used in fuel (coal), pencils (graphite), and purification.
• Sulfur: Used in the production of sulfuric acid.
• Chlorine: Used in water treatment.

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Evaluation:

1. Define metals and non-metals with two examples each.
2. List three physical differences between metals and non-metals.
3. Why do metals conduct electricity while non-metals generally do not?
4. Write a chemical equation showing the reaction of a metal with acid.
5. Mention two uses of each: iron, oxygen, and sulfur.

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Homework:

1. Create a comparison table for five physical and three chemical properties of metals and non-metals.
2. List five metals and five non-metals with one use each.
3. Explain why aluminum is preferred in aircraft construction.

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Conclusion:

Metals and non-metals play vital roles in our daily lives. Understanding their properties helps us utilize them appropriately in science, industry, and domestic settings.

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