Test: Materials: Metals & Non-Metals- 1 - UPSC

Gold is metal and Silicon is a metalloid. Those elements that shows the property of both metal and non-metal are called metalloids.

Malleability is a physical property of metals that defines their ability to be hammered, pressed, or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. In other words, it is the property of a metal to deform under compression and take on a new shape.

Non-metal are generally bad conductors of electricity but Graphite is an allotrope of carbon which is a good conductor of electricity.

Out of these only Carbon (C) is a non-metal whereas the others are all metals.

Formation of rust on metal surface like iron is also called as corrosion. Corrosion occurs in presence of water and oxygen.

Metal is characterised by high electrical conductivity. Metals are malleable, ductile, sonorous and good conductor of heat and electricity.

Non-metals are found in nature in solid, liquid and gaseous state. On the other hand metals are found in solid state except mercury that is liquid at room temperature.

Metals like sodium and potassium are soft and can be cut with a knife.

Those elements that show the property of both metal and non-metal both are called metalloid or semi metals. Silicon, germanium etc are common metalloid.

All metals are found in solid state at normal room temperature except mercury, which is liquid at room temperature.