Physical Properties of Metals,
Non-Metals, and Metalloids
Physical Properties
• Definition: Properties that can be observed
without making any chemical changes to the
substance.
• Determined by the atomic structure of the
substance and
the strength of
the bonds.
Examples that could be easily
observed in your classrooms:
– Color – not always diagnostic, but sometimes can be
– Luster – how the light reflects off the surface of a
substance.
– Malleability – the ability of a substance to be deformed
under compressive stress.
– Density – mass/unit volume.
– Conductivity – the ability of the substance to transmit
electricity or heat.
Color
Luster
Metallic
Non-Metallic
Malleability
Density
Conductivity
Metals vs. Non-metals
Metals
Non-metals
Color
Gold, silver, copper, pyrite, some others show
characteristic colors; always opaque
Wide variety of colors or colorless;
sometimes transparent or translucent
Luster
Metallic luster: think coins and jewelry; shiny or
rusty
Non-metallic luster: can be shiny, but
looks like glass, not metal. Often dull.
Malleability
Can be hammered or rolled into various shapes
Will shatter if hammered
Density
Usually heavy for its size: think lead and gold
Average or light density – rarely heavy
Conductivity
Will conduct cold or heat; will conduct electricity
when solid
Will not conduct cold, heat, or
electricity well.
Metalloids
• B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, Po (a diagonal between
the metals and the non-metals on the Periodic
Table of the Elements)
• Can have properties of metals or non-metals,
depending upon allotrope, temperature
conditions, presence of an electric field, or
other conditions.
• Often used as semi-conductors in electrical
applications.
• Cannot be easily identified by your students.
For More Information,
IRC: Physical Properties of Metals,
Non-metals, and Metalloids