What are some of the most common examples of metals and non-metals?
Here are some common examples of metals and non-metals, along with their characteristics:
Metals
Common Examples:
- Copper: A soft, malleable, and ductile metal with good conductivity of heat and electricity. It is often used in electrical wiring and plumbing14.
- Iron: A hard, silver-white metal used extensively in the production of steel and cast iron. It is hard, wear-resistant, and has good casting properties but is brittle and cannot be forged1.
- Nickel: A silvery-white, lustrous metal that is hard and ductile. It has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and low thermal expansion. Nickel is used in electronics, batteries, alloys, and more1.
- Aluminum: A lightweight metal with good conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in construction, packaging, and transportation14.
- Gold: A precious metal that is soft, malleable, and does not corrode in air. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat, often used in jewelry and coins1.
- Steel: An alloy of iron and carbon, known for its strength and durability. It is used in a wide range of applications, including construction and manufacturing1.
Other Metals:
- Tin: Used in soldering and as a protective coating for other metals34.
- Titanium: Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, often used in aerospace and medical applications4.
- Zinc: Used in galvanizing other metals to protect them from corrosion and in the production of alloys like brass24.
Non-Metals
Common Examples:
- Oxygen: A gas that is essential for respiration and combustion. It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity25.
- Nitrogen: A gas that makes up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere. It is chemically inert and used in various industrial processes25.
- Carbon: A solid non-metal that can exist in various forms such as graphite, diamond, and fullerenes. It is used in a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of rubber and other polymers25.
- Sulfur: A solid non-metal that is brittle and has a low melting point. It is used in gunpowder, matches, and the production of sulfuric acid5.
- Bromine: A liquid non-metal that is used in the manufacture of flame-retardant materials, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals5.
Other Non-Metals:
- Hydrogen: A gas that is highly flammable and used as a fuel. It is also used in the production of chemicals and in power generation5.
- Helium: A gas that is chemically inert and used in balloons, lasers, and cooling superconducting magnets5.
- Selenium: A solid non-metal that is used in electronics and as a component in photovoltaic cells25.
These examples illustrate the diverse properties and uses of metals and non-metals.