IB MYP 4-5 Chemistry -Metals, non-metals, noble gases, and transition metals- Study Notes - New Syllabus

Metals, Non-metals, Noble Gases, and Transition Metals

All elements in the periodic table can be broadly classified into metals, non-metals, noble gases, and transition metals based on their physical and chemical properties.

These categories explain how elements conduct electricity, form compounds, and react with other substances.

Metals

Metals are elements that easily lose electrons to form positive ions (\( \mathrm{cations} \)). They are usually found on the left-hand side and in the center of the periodic table.

Physical Properties:

• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• High melting and boiling points
• Malleable (can be hammered into sheets)
• Ductile (can be drawn into wires)
• Have metallic lustre (shiny appearance)
• Solid at room temperature (except mercury)
• High density and strength

Chemical Properties:

• Form positive ions by losing electrons: \( \mathrm{Na \rightarrow Na^+ + e^-} \)
• React with oxygen to form basic oxides: \( \mathrm{2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO} \)
• React with acids to release hydrogen gas: \( \mathrm{Zn + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2} \)

Examples: Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al).

Non-metals

 Non-metals are elements that gain or share electrons to form negative ions (\( \mathrm{anions} \)) or covalent bonds. They are found on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

Physical Properties:

• Poor conductors of heat and electricity (insulators)
• Low melting and boiling points
• Brittle (when solid)
• No metallic lustre (dull appearance)
• Can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature

Chemical Properties:

• Form negative ions by gaining electrons: \( \mathrm{Cl + e^- \rightarrow Cl^-} \)
• React with oxygen to form acidic oxides: \( \mathrm{C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2} \)
• Combine with metals to form ionic compounds: \( \mathrm{2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl} \)

Examples: Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl), Carbon (C).

Noble Gases

Noble gases are elements in Group 18 that have completely filled electron shells. They are chemically inert and do not readily react with other elements.

Properties:

• Exist as monoatomic gases (single atoms)
• Colorless, odorless, tasteless
• Low density and low boiling points
• Very stable electron configuration (octet/duplet)
• Do not form compounds easily (inert gases)

Electron Configuration:

• Helium (He): 2
• Neon (Ne): 2,8
• Argon (Ar): 2,8,8
• Krypton (Kr): 2,8,18,8
• Xenon (Xe): 2,8,18,18,8

Uses:

• Helium → balloons and airships
• Neon → advertising signs
• Argon → welding and light bulbs

Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements found in the middle block of the periodic table (Groups 3–12). They are metals with variable oxidation states and form colored compounds.

Physical Properties:

• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• High melting and boiling points
• Hard and dense metals
• Form alloys (mixtures of metals)
• Show metallic lustre

Chemical Properties:

• Form colored ions and compounds (e.g., \( \mathrm{Cu^{2+}} \) → blue, \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \) → yellow/brown)
• Exhibit variable valency (e.g., \( \mathrm{Fe^{2+}} \) and \( \mathrm{Fe^{3+}} \))
• Act as catalysts (e.g., \( \mathrm{Fe} \) in ammonia production, \( \mathrm{Ni} \) in hydrogenation)

Examples: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Silver (Ag).

Comparison Table: Metals vs Non-metals vs Noble Gases vs Transition Metals