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GCSE Combined Science · key term
An element that does not form positive ions in its characteristic chemical reactions.
Used by AQA
Specification 5.1.2.3 · Paper 3
Revise: Metals and Non-MetalsCopper, iron and gold are metals; sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen are non-metals. Their appearance and physical properties often help us distinguish them, but the central chemical distinction is how they form ions.
Use several properties to identify a metal or non-metal. A low melting point alone does not prove that an element is a non-metal.
Do not say that all non-metals form negative ions: some share electrons, while Group 0 elements usually do not react.
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