Page 31 - ICSE Chemistry 6

• It can exist independently as well as in combina on with other elements. Elements combine to
form compounds.
• Elements exist in all three states of ma er, i.e., solid, liquid and gas.

Classification of Elements

On the basis of their proper es, elements can be classifi ed into metals, non-metals, metalloids and
noble or inert gases.

Metals

Majority of known elements are metals. Gold, silver, iron, copper, pla num, aluminium, n, zinc, sodium,
potassium, lead, calcium, etc. are all metals.

Most metals are found in the earth’s crust. However, some metals are also found inside seas and oceans.

Thirst for Knowledge

Aluminium is the most common metal found in the earth’s crust, however, the most common metal
found on the earth is iron as it makes a large part of the earth’s core.

Malleability
The property due to which a
substance can be beaten into thin
sheets is called malleability.
Duc lity

The property due to which a
substance can be drawn into wires
gold copper silver is called duc lity.

Fig. 2.3: Metals

Proper es of Metals

Good conductors High mel ng Sonorous, i.e.,
Usually hard Lustrous in Malleable and
solids appearance of heat and and boiling duc le they produce a
electricity points sound

Non-Metals

Non-metals are found in abundance in nature. They are mainly found in the crust, atmosphere and oceans
of the earth. Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, phosphorus, sulphur, etc. are non-metals.

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