Author: Dallas ISD

Physical Properties of Metals:
Luster (shininess)
Good conductors of heat and electricity
High density (heavy for their size)
High melting point
Ductile (most metals can be drawn out into thin wires)
Malleable (most metals can be hammered into thin sheets)
Chemical Properties of Metals:
Easily lose electrons
Corrode easily. Corrosion is a gradual wearing away. (Example: silver tarnishing and iron rusting)

Nonmetals
Nonmetals are found to the right of the stair step line. Their characteristics are opposite those of metals.
Physical Properties of Nonmetals:
No luster (dull appearance)
Poor conductor of heat and electricity
Brittle (breaks easily)
Not ductile
Not malleable
Low density
Low melting point
Chemical Properties of Nonmetals:
Tend to gain electrons

Physical Properties of Metalloids:
Solids
Can be shiny or dull
Ductile
Malleable
Conduct heat and electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals