Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids: How Are They Different?

The differences between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids are based on their physical and chemical properties. In the periodic table, they are arranged together into different categories of elements:

• Metals are conductive, shiny, and malleable.
• Nonmetals are dull and poor conductors with lower melting points.
• Metalloids with characteristics falling between metals and nonmetals.

What is the difference between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids on the periodic table?

The arrangement of the periodic table is based on the different atomic structure and properties of elements. They are organized by increasing atomic numbers and the table itself is divided into rows (periods) and columns (groups). This organization of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals in the periodic table allows scientists to predict elemental behavior and develop new technologies.

If you look at an image of the periodic table, metals are grouped on the left side of the periodic table. Meanwhile, nonmetals are on the right side to reflect their properties regarding electrical conductivity, density, and reactivity. Metalloids are placed along the boundary between metals and nonmetals, reflecting their “in-between” characteristics. 

What is a metal?

Metals are grouped by their unique physical and chemical properties. Unlike nonmetals, which are often brittle insulators, metals are typically shiny solids with high melting and boiling points. These properties are due to strong metallic bonding, meaning electrons move freely through positively charged ions. Additionally, metals can be reshaped without breaking which is another result of these metallic bonds. 

Properties of metals

Below are more details regarding the properties and characteristics of metals:

• Physical State: Metals are solids at room temperature, with one exception: mercury, which is a liquid.
• Luster: Metals exhibit a shiny appearance due to their ability to reflect light.
• Melting and Boiling Points: Metals generally have high melting and boiling points due to a powerful metallic bond between their atoms.
• Conductivity: Metals are good conductors as they have free-flowing electrons that allow them to efficiently transfer thermal and electrical energy.
• Density: Metals have high density, especially in comparison to nonmetals and metalloids.
• Ductility: Metals are often quite ductile which means they can be stretched under tension, such as fine wires, without breaking.
• Malleability: Metals are highly malleable, and while different from ductility, this means they can be reshaped, such as flattened into thin sheets, without breaking.
• Ionization Energy: Metals have low ionization energies which means they lose electrons easily to form positive ions.

Examples of metals

• Iron: Known for its strength and versatility in materials such as steel, it’s used widely in industries such as construction and infrastructure.
• Copper: This is a highly conductive metal and is used most commonly in wiring and plumbing.
• Gold: Considered a precious metal, it is seen in jewelry most often due to its corrosion resistance.

What is a nonmetal?

Nonmetals are a highly diverse group of elements on the periodic table. In comparison to metals, they come in a wide range of elements and different physical states, including gasses, liquids, and solids. They can come in various physical states, but usually brittle solids or gasses, and tend to be dull rather than shiny. With weaker atomic bonds, they have lower melting and boiling points than metals and are poor conductors of electricity and heat. While they have their own distinct non-metallic traits, they typically lack those “in-between” properties of metalloids, such as semi-conductivity.

Properties of nonmetals

Below are the typical properties and characteristics of nonmetals:

• Physical State: Nonmetals can exist in a variety of physical states (gas, liquid, and solid) when at room temperature.
• Luster: Nonmetals typically lack metallic luster and appear dull instead of shiny.
• Melting and Boiling Points: Nonmetals, especially liquids and gasses, generally have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.
• Conductivity: Nonmetals, unlike metals, are poor conductors of electricity and heat due to tighter atomic structures.
• Density: Nonmetals generally have lower densities, which means they usually have smaller mass in comparison to metals.
• Ductility: Nonmetals are brittle which means they can’t easily be pulled into new shapes without breaking.
• Malleability: Nonmetals are not malleable and tend to be so rigid they can shatter when hammered or pressed.
• Ionization Energy: Nonmetals have relatively high ionization energies in contrast to metallic elements and they need more energy to remove electrons which limits the ability to form positive ions.

Examples of nonmetals

• Carbon: A versatile nonmetal that serves as the basis of organic chemistry and can be combined with other elements, such as iron, across the periodic table.
• Oxygen: Is essential for life on Earth and is one of the most abundant elements.
• Sulfur: This yellow, brittle element is found in nature, but commonly used to produce sulfuric acid.

What is a metalloid?

Finally, bridging the gap between metals and nonmetals are metalloids. The term “metalloid” originates from their dual nature, stemming from the Greek words metallon, meaning “metal,” and eidos, meaning “sort”. This group exhibits some metallic properties, like conductivity, but lacks the full extent of a metal’s characteristic luster and malleability. It is these unique properties that make metalloids essential in tech-related industries such as electronics.

Properties of metalloids

Below are the typical properties and characteristics of metalloids:

• Physical State: Metalloids are usually solid at room temperature, however they can be heated and converted to a liquid or gas.
• Luster: Metalloids range in degrees of luster, from metallic to completely nonmetallic, which depends on the specific element and conditions.
• Melting and Boiling Points: Metalloids have a range of varying melting and boiling points, which reflects their intermediary nature.
• Conductivity: Metalloids conduct electricity, but not as well as metals since this property can be impacted by impurities or temperatures.
• Density: Metalloids, again fall between metals and nonmetals but generally less dense than metals and more dense than nonmetals.
• Ductility: Metalloids are not ductile materials and will break when stretched due to their brittleness.
• Malleability: Metalloids, similarly to their ductility, lack the malleability of metal and can’t be reworked into new shapes without losing their integrity.
• Ionization Energy: Metalloid atoms occupy a middle ground between the low ionization energies of metals and the high ionization energies of nonmetals.

Examples of metalloids

• Arsenic: With properties between metals and nonmetals, this periodic table element is found naturally in the Earth’s crust but is highly toxic to humans.
• Boron: While a poor conductor of electricity, but heat resistant, it is frequently used to provide micronutrients in fertilizers.
• Silicon: Used in semiconductors, it has electrical conductivity between that of a metal conductor and a nonmetal insulator.

Bring Your project to life with high-quality steel 

Understanding the properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids is crucial for any steel company, like ours, operating in the competitive market of industrial materials. In comparison to other elements on the periodic table, metals exhibit characteristics such as conductivity, malleability, and ductility, making them ideal for use in many industries.

At Service Steel Warehouse, we recognize the importance of these properties in crafting high-quality steel products. Whether it’s providing Charpy Impact Testing or providing structural steel products, we’ve leveraged our expertise to deliver exceptional quality since 1965.

If your projects demand the strength, versatility, and resilience only high-quality metal such as steel can provide, look no further. We take pride in delivering top-notch steel products and services that meet the diverse needs of our clients across various industries. 

If you’re ready to experience the advantages of American-made metal for your next project, reach out or give us a call today for a custom quote!