Properties of Metals

and Non-Metal
Metals vs Non-Metals
Metals vs Non-Metals
Metals vs Non-
Metals
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Properties of
Metals
 Chemistry of Metals
Metals are the elements that fall into groups 1 – 3 in the
periodic table and they, along with their compounds, play
important roles in our daily lives.
Physical Properties Chemical Properties

Usually hard and shiny (luster) Reducing agents

Malleable and ductile Electropositive
High density, melting & boiling point Reacts with dilute acid to form basic salts

Good Thermal and Electrical conductor Reacts with water to form basic hydroxides
Easy to corrode Burns in air (O2) to form basic oxides
Chemistry of Metals
Metals are able to conduct electricity because of free electrons.
They are also malleable because of uniformity in their
structure
Have high boiling and melting points because of the strength
of the interactions between the cations and free electrons.
They have a shiny luster, this property is sometimes known as
metallic luster.
Metals are generally very shiny.
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The Reactivity Series
The reactivity series lists metals according to their reactivity as
reducing agents and non – metals as oxidizing agents. The
reactivity series can be used to predict the reactivity of metals
and non - metals.
Metals lose electrons to form cations and therefore act as
reducing agents. In the reactivity series, elements are placed in
the order of decreasing reactivity, metals as reducing agents and
non-metals as oxidizing agents. The elements at the top of the
series forms ions the easiest and these ions are very stable and
not easily discharged to from compounds.
The Reactivity Series
Metals Non-Metals
K F
Na Cl
Ca Br
Mg I
Al S
Zn
Fe
Pb
H
Cu
Ag
Au
Uses of the Reactivity
Series
The position of an element in the reactivity series provides general
information about its chemistry:
1. It is a rough guide to an element’s chemical reactivity.
2. It is a measure of the ease with which an element loses or gains
electrons, i.e. the ease with which it is oxidized or reduced.
3. It can be used to make predictions as to an element’s behavior in
displacement and electron transfer reactions.
4. It determines the method that should be employed in extracting the
metal from its compounds (or ores).
5. It determines the method used to obtain non-metals.
Reactivity Series and
Hydrogen
When comparing hydrogen with a metal it is important to remember
the following:
o If a metal is above hydrogen in the reactivity series then it will react
with the acid because it displaces the hydrogen in the acid.
o If a metal is below hydrogen in the reactivity series then it will not
react with the acid because it will not displace the hydrogen in the
acid
o The furthest away (higher up) from hydrogen the metal is in
reactivity series, the more vigorous the reaction will be when added to
the acid.
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Displacement / Reduction of Metals
Displacement
Based on the reactivity series, a metal that is higher than
another in the series will displace from its salt, one that is
lower in the series:
A (s) + BX (aq)  AX (aq) + B (s)
This is also a type of reduction reaction.
Reaction of Mg and Cu, what will happen in each case?
eqn1 Mg (s) + CuSO4 (aq)  MgSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)
No rxn
eqn2 Cu (s) + MgSO4 (aq) 
Reduction
A metal will reduce the oxide of any metal below it in the
reactivity series:
A + BO  AO + B
• A readily ionizes forming An+ ions.
• Bn+ ions are readily discharged forming B atoms.

e.g. Mg (s) + CuO (s)  MgO (s) + Cu (s)

This is also a displacement reaction.
Reactions of Some Metals
Some metals can be exposed to air. These metals include ones
that we use regularly and see around us. However other metals
such as sodium, have to be stored under paraffin. The paraffin
layer acts as a barrier and protects the metal from exposure to
oxygen in the air. When metals react with oxygen, they react to
form ionic compounds known as metallic oxides.
Reactions of Some Metals
If the metal oxides produced can dissolve in water, the resulting
solution is alkaline.
Sodium oxide readily dissolves in water forming sodium
hydroxide, sodium hydroxide is soluble, therefore it forms an
alkaline solution. Calcium oxide is slightly soluble forming
calcium hydroxide.

Na2O(s) + H2O(l)  2NaOH(aq)

CaO(s) + H2O(l)  Ca(OH)2(s)
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The Reactions Of Metals With
Water
When metals react with water, the metal hydroxide and
hydrogen are produced.

Metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen

e.g. 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
The Reactions Of Metals With
Water
When a metal reacts with steam, the metal oxide and hydrogen are
produced

Metal + steam → metal oxide + hydrogen

e.g. Zn(s) + H2O(l) → ZnO(s) + H2(g)

Some metals are not able to react with cold water, but they can if fact
react with hot water or steam. The fact that they require hot water or
steam means they are less reactive than those that react spontaneously
with cold water.
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The Reactions Of Metals With
Dilute Acids
The general reaction of a metal and an acid, except nitric acid,
is as follows:

Metal + acid → metal salt and hydrogen

e.g. Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Summary Of The Reaction Of Some
Metals With Various Reactants
Decomposition of metal
compounds
Metals that are very reactive in their pure form tend to form
very stable compounds when they react with other elements.
This means that their compounds are not easily decomposed
by heat. Examples are sodium and potassium, which are very
reactive, these very reactive metals are found in nature in the
form of compounds.
Decomposition of metal
compounds
Fairly unreactive metals, are often found as free elements and
can be mined in their native state. E.g. silver and gold and their
compounds are easily decomposed. The action of heat on
metal nitrates, carbonates and hydroxides are given in the
table.
Decomposition of metal
compounds
Potassium and sodium form fairly stable compounds,
especially when they are carbonates and hydroxides. Less
reactive metals such as silver and gold, do not even form
carbonates or hydroxides since the compounds are too unstable
to exist. In general, the lower a metal is in the reactivity series,
the more easily its compounds decompose.
Thermal Stability of Metal
Compounds and the Reactivity Series
QUESTION
QUESTION
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The Extraction of Metals
The least reactive metals occur in nature as free elements (e.g. Cu,
Ag, Au, etc.). The more reactive metals, however, occur in
compounds called ores which occur in nature as impure oxides,
sulphides, chlorides or carbonates of metals.
Ores are important but finite resources that are being used up (like
bauxite), hence recycling is necessary. There are both advantages
and disadvantages of recycling metals.
The advantages are: less raw materials are used, energy is saved, less
landfill space occupied, less pollution by harmful metals and less
greenhouse gases are produced when recycled metals are used.
The Extraction of Metals
The disadvantages, however, are: the recycling process is very
tedious if it is to be done properly, it is time and energy
consuming, and some mixtures are difficult to separate.
In the extraction of metals, the ore is mined and then processes
(or metal extracted). Most extraction processes are reduction
processes because the metal ions are discharged by electron
gain:
Mn+ + ne-  M
The Extraction of Metals
Metals above carbon in the electrochemical series are usually
extracted by electrolysis (Al, Mg..) because they are more
reactive (better reducing agents) than Carbon. Metals below
carbon in the electrochemical series can be reduced be reduced
by carbon. Eg (lead, iron)
The Extraction of Metals
The method of extraction, however, depends on the position of the metal in the
reactivity series and the nature of the ore.
1. Very reactive metals: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al form stable ions which are difficult to
reduce. They require a powerful method of reduction – electrolysis of their molten
ores. The cathode provides electrons and therefore acts as the reducing agent.
2. Less reactive metals: Zn, Fe, Pb from less stable ions which are easier to reduce.
These need a less powerful method of reduction – heating the oxide ore with the
reducing agents carbon (in the form of coke) or carbon monoxide.
3. Least reactive metals: Cu, Hg, Ag, Au usually occurs as free elements since their
ions are very unstable. They may, however, be extracted from their ores by heating
the ore in the air at high temperatures; this is the least powerful method of reduction.
Extraction of Iron
More iron is produced than any other metal and most of this
iron is used to manufacture steel via the mildex process. The
ore used to obtain iron is haematite (Fe2O3) and the extraction
is carried out by the reduction of the haematite using
carbon/carbon monoxide in a blast furnace (chimney shaped
tower up to 30m tall) as follows, the process of extracting iron
is known as smelting:
Extraction of Iron
1. A mixture of haematite, limestone (CaCO3),
coke or carbon (made from coal) called the
charge, is fed
into the top of the furnace.
2. Hot air is blown into the bottom of the furnace
and coke burns in the blast of hot air, producing
CO2 and generating a lot of heat which keeps the
temperature at the bottom of the furnace at about
1900 ºC.
C (s) + O2 (g) CO2 (g) ΔH = -ve
Extraction of Iron
3. The carbon dioxide formed is reduced to
carbon monoxide by more hot coke, higher up
the furnace (in the middle of the furnace).
CO2 (g) + C (s)  2CO (g) ΔH = +ve
The heat absorbed here reduced the
temperature to about 1100 ºC.
Extraction of Iron
4. The carbon monoxide (reducing agent) and reacts with
the iron (III) oxide from the charge and reduces the
haematite to iron:
Fe2O3 (s) + 3CO (g)  2Fe (s) + 3CO2 (g)
The iron falls to the bottom of the furnace where it melts
and is tapped off.
5. Impurities in the ore, mainly sand (SiO 2) have to be
removed. The limestone added at the start is what is
responsible for this. At a temperature of about 850 ºC, the
limestone decomposes forming calcium oxide and more
carbon dioxide.
CaCO3 (s)  CaO (s) + CO2 (g)
Extraction of Iron
The silica (sand), being acidic, reacts with the basic calcium
oxide (neutralisation) to form molten calcium silicate or slag:
CaO (s) + SiO2 (s)  CaSiO3 (l)
The molten slag runs to the bottom of the furnace and because
it is immiscible with the molten iron, it floats on the iron
(because it is less dense). Due to their immiscibility, they can
be tapped off separately.
Extraction of Iron
The iron produced, called pig or cast iron, is still a little impure,
containing about 4% carbon and other impurities, which are then removed.
Most of the product (iron) is then converted to steel by adding controlled
amounts of carbon and other elements.
The properties of the steel produced depend on the amount of carbon
added. High carbon steels are strong but brittle whereas low carbon steels
are softer and more easily shaped.
Mild steel is used to make car bodies and other machinery parts while
stainless steel is used to make cutlery, surgical instruments and chemical
plant equipment.
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Extraction of Aluminium
Bauxite is a very important resource for some countries.
Aluminium is the metal that is retrieved from bauxite and this
metal never exists in nature in its free state but is mostly
present as hydrated aluminium oxide or alumina (Al2O 3.xH2O)
which also has impurities such as sand (silicon dioxide) and
iron (II) oxide, which is separated by electrolysis. Aluminium
is used to make beer cans, cooking foil, furniture and frying
pans.
Extraction of Aluminum
The process is as follows:
1. First the bauxite is purified.
2. The purified bauxite is then dissolved in molten cryolite
(Na3AlF6) at 900 ºC to lower its melting point and also to
improve its conductivity. Electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide
is not practical because its melting point is too high (2050 ºC).
3. The electrolysis of the aluminum oxide/cryolite solution is
done using graphite or titanium electrodes by passing a high
current (e.g. 100,000 A) through the cell.
Extraction of Aluminium
At Cathode
Molten aluminium collects at the bottom of the cell and is tapped off.
Al3+ (l) + 3e-  Al (l)
At Anode
Oxygen gas collects at the anode.
2O2-(l)  O2 (g) + 4e-
Oxide ions are oxidised to oxygen gas. As the hot oxygen gas bubbles off, it reacts
with the graphite anodes to form carbon dioxide. The graphite anode ‘burn away’ and
eventually have to be replaced.
The overall reaction for this electrolysis is:
2Al2O3 → 4Al + 3O2
Extraction of Aluminium
Since 3 moles of electrons are needed to discharge 1 mole of
aluminium, it should be appreciated that aluminium production uses
a large amount of electrical energy; as a result aluminium is not
produced in Jamaica but is instead sent to Canada and other
countries for conversion.
The metal, Aluminium, is very high in the reactivity series however
in reality it is not very reactive. Why?
Because of its high reactivity, it corrodes in air to form an aluminium
oxide coating over the rest of the metal. The formation of this
protective coating prevents further corrosion of the metal beneath.
Extraction of Aluminium
Aluminium is very useful due to certain properties that is has.
Aluminium is a good conductor of both heat and electricity,
non-toxic, very resistant to corrosion and has a low density.
Because of these properties, it can be used to make cooking
utensils and food containers, electrical cables, and aircraft
bodies among other things. Alloys of aluminium are also very
useful since the alloys of a metal are made to improve certain
properties of that metal. E.g. Aluminium alloys are stronger
than pure aluminium therefore it is preferred in making
aircrafts than the pure metal.
Corrosion of Metals
Corrosion is an electrochemical process that occurs when the
surface of a solid, usually a metal, is “eaten away” by the action
of oxygen (from air) and moisture (water) from the atmosphere
(aerated, aqueous environments). In this process the metal
dissolves away inwards from its surface. When a metal (any
metal) corrodes, they are converted to their ore – like states. The
higher the metal is in the reactivity series, the more rapidly it
corrodes.
Aluminium corrodes to form a layer of aluminium oxide which
adheres to the metal below and protect it from further corrosion.
Rusting
Rusting is a special form of corrosion that only applies to iron and iron
alloys. Rusting only occurs when both water and oxygen are present.
Iron and steel are widely used materials as they have good properties
for construction and other purposes because iron ore is plentiful and it
is easy to extract iron from its ore. Also it is easy to reshape and alloys
easily. However iron and steel are very easy to corrode and this
corrosion does not form a protective layer but instead flake off
exposing the rest of the metal below. This allows further corrosion and
hence the “eating away of the metal” as observed when an iron object
corrodes. This process is known as rusting.
Rusting
The oxygen and air react with the iron to form hydrated iron (III) oxide.
Rust is hydrated iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3.xH2O) that is formed from the
oxidation of iron. Iron rusts (corrodes) when it loses electrons.
Fe (s)  Fe2+ (aq) + 2e-
The iron (II) ions then react with hydroxyl ions (from water) in aqueous
environment to form iron (III) hydroxide:
Fe2+ (aq) + 2OH-(aq)  Fe(OH)2 (s)
The oxygen present oxidizes the iron (II) hydroxide to hydrated iron (III)
oxide or rust.
Fe(OH)2 (s) + O2 (g)  Fe2O3.xH2O
Prevention of Rusting
In bottles B and C, the iron rusts because
both wáter and oxygen from the air
present. In bottle D the iron does no rust
because the anhydrous calcium chloride
removes the wáter vapour from the air. In
bottle A the iron does no rust because
boiling the wáter removes all the air.
Rusting depends on the pH of the air or
wáter in which the iron is placed. Rusting
is greater if the pH of the environment is
alkaline.
Prevention of Rusting
Corrosion can also be diverted so that
one metal corrodes in preference of
another. This is because the higher a
metal is in the reactivity series, the
more rapidly is corrodes. Using one
metal to protect another from corrosion
in this manner is a process known as
sacrificial protection because one metal
is sacrificed to protect another. This is
the basis of electrochemical cells.
Prevention of Rusting
E.g. Underground tanks and pipes
made of steel or iron usually have a
magnesium bar attached to them.
This is done so that the magnesium
bar corrodes instead of the tank/pipe
as it is easier and cheaper to replace
the small piece of magnesium than
the entire tank.
Prevention of Rusting
Other than sacrificial protection, corrosion
can be prevented or slowed by placing a
barrier around the metal, separating it from
direct contact with its environment. This
barrier is achieved by coating metals with
paint, grease, plastic or rubber to prevent
corrosion. It can also be coated with zinc
(galvanized) or coated with tin. The metal’s
coating protects the inner metal from
corrosion however if the coating is scratched,
the inner metal is exposed and starts to
corrode.
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Metal Alloys
An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or a mixture of
one or more metals with a non-metal, that are made by melting
the metals, mixing them and allowing the molten mixture to
solidify. Alloys can also be thought of as solid solutions. The
physical properties of alloys are usually very different from
those of the pure metals from which they are made. This is
because alloys are made to enhance the properties of the
metals involved – they are normally harder, stronger and more
resistant to corrosion and because of this, alloys are often used
in preference to pure metals.
Metal Alloys
 Copper and nickel have high electrical conductivities, but they form alloys whose
conductivities are sufficiently low to be used in wires with high electrical
resistance.
 Bronze – an alloy of copper and tin – is used for decorative and ornamental
purposes since it is harder than pure copper.
 Brass – an alloy of copper and zinc – is used for making coins and water fittings.
 Steel – an alloy of iron and the non-metal carbon (0.15% – 1.5%), that is much
harder and resistant to corrosion than iron.
 Solder – the common alloy of lead and tin that is used to join metals together.
 Duralumin- an alloy of aluminium with small amounts of (copper, manganese,
magnesium and silicon) is used to make aircrafts bodies. This alloy is much
stronger than pure aluminium but still has low density.
Metals in Biological Systems
Certain element, like carbon and oxygen, are needed in large
amounts to sustain life of plants and animals however there are
other metallic element called trace elements that are just as
essential but are needed in much smaller quantities. These
elements form parts of important biological molecules.
Metals in Biological Systems
 Magnesium ions are necessary for the formation of chlorophyll in
green plants. Chlorophyll is an essential substance for plants to make
glucose by photosynthesis and gives plants there green colour. The
chlorophyll molecule traps the energy from the sun so the plant can
make its own food. The equation for photosynthesis is as follows;
6CO2(g) + 6H2O(g) –light/chlorophyll C6H12O6(aq) + O2(g).
At the center of chlorophyll molecule is a magnesium ion.
Without magnesium ion, chlorophyll will not absorb sunlight well. A
shortage of magnesium causes the leaves of plants to become yellow, a
condition called chlorosis.
Metals in Biological Systems
 Iron ions are a central part of the haemoglobin molecule
which is an essential part of blood. Haemoglobin is the red
pigment found in red blood cells. It is essential to carry
oxygen around the body. The oxygen is used by the body
for respiration to provide the body with energy.
C6H12O6(aq) + 6O2(g) 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) + energy
lack of iron leads to reduction in the number of red blood cells
in the body, tiredness and a lack of energy, a condition known
as anaemia.
Metals in Biological Systems
 Calcium ions, though not so much a trace element, forms
compounds (mainly Calcium phosphate) that are important
to build strong teeth and bones. Calcium ions are also
necessary for the blood to clot at a cut. A shortage of
calcium leads to bones and teeth becoming soft and weak. It
may also lead to rickets.
 Copper and zinc are components of many enzymes and aids
in tissue formation and protein digestion and wound
healing.
Metals in Biological Systems
 Zinc ions are bonded to an enzyme present in red blood
cells. The enzyme catalyses the removal of carbon dioxide
from the blood. It makes the reaction a million times faster
than it would be without the enzyme. It is a important part
of the functioning of the immune system, in the healing of
wounds, and in cell and tissue growth and repair.
 Sodium and potassium ions play an important role in the
transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of
muscles.
Toxic metals
 Many metals and metal compounds harm living things if
they escape from factories or are dumped by humans. Some
of the metals required by living organisms to maintain their
health become toxic when their levels become too high.
Other metals not required by living organisms, can also be
toxic to them. These are known as heavy metals which
mainly include transition metals and metalloid, For
examples: lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium
Toxic metals
 Compounds of lead were formerly added to petrol to improve the
combustion of the fuel. Very few fuels now contain lead compounds. The
exhaust gases from vehicles using this fuel contain lead and lead
compounds.
 Lead compounds are still used in some paints in some parts of the world.
Lead is also used in some car batteries. If these paints or batteries are not
disposed of correctly, lead may get into groundwater or air.
 Lead compounds are poisonous. They harm nervous system, including
brain, especially in young children, leading to low IQ. It also interferes
with the normal formation of red blood cells leading to anaemia.
Toxic metals
 Arsenic compounds are poisonous. They can get into
groundwater from mining waste and from disposal of some
electrical components. It can also cause cancer and skin problems.
 The starter batteries of many cars contain cadmium and nickel
electrodes. If disposed of incorrectly, poisonous cadmium can get
into the groundwater.
 Cadmium can be found is disused nickel-cadmium batteries,
cigarette smoke and industry. Cadmium causes damages to the
respiratory system. Kidneys and liver. It can also cause
osteoporosis where the bones become weakened and fragile.
Toxic metals
 Mercury can be spilled from broken thermometers in
hospitals and laboratories. Mercury can also be found in
disused fluorescent lights and industry (combustion of
coal). Mercury and its compounds are particularly
poisonous to fish and it can accumulate in the food chain
and eventually poison humans. Mercury damages the
central nervous system impairing hearing, sight, speech and
the sense of touch (Minamata disease).
Toxic metals: Disposal of Metals
Incorrectly May Cause Problems
 Metals may react with water and/or air and corrode to form
soluble compounds that are poisonous. These diffuse into
the soil and eventually enters rivers.
 Rust from iron may form unsightly pools of waste that
reduce plant growth.
 Waste from aluminum extraction may react with water and
form flammable gases.
Toxic metals: Disposal of Metals
Incorrectly May Cause Problems
 Heavy metals should not be disposed of in landfill sites
because of the possibility of contamination ground water
and nearby soil. They should also not be incinerated
because of the possibility of releasing harmful gases
containing the metal ions in the air.
 Recycling can help solve the disposal problems.