Metals and Non-Metals

Define metals as elements that actively react to form positive ions.

Define non-metals as elements that fundamentally do not form positive ions.

Recognise that the vast majority of elemental substances are categorized as metals.

Identify that metals are generally found to the left and towards the bottom of the periodic table.

Identify that non-metals are generally found towards the right and the top of the periodic table.

Explain the core differences between metals and non-metals explicitly on the basis of their characteristic physical and chemical properties.

Explain how the specific atomic structure of metals and non-metals fundamentally dictates their relative position in the periodic table.

Explain how the observed reactions of elements are intrinsically related to the exact arrangement of electrons in their atoms, which dictates their atomic number.