AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Metals and non-metals: The majority of elements are metals.
The periodic table contains over one hundred elements, and most of them are metals.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The periodic table contains over one hundred elements, and most of them are metals. Metals occupy the large block on the left, centre and lower part of the table, including Groups 1, 2 and the transition metals, while non-metals form a much smaller region towards the top right. This matters because the physical and chemical behaviour you meet in later topics, such as conduction, malleability, reaction with acids and formation of positive ions, applies to the majority of elements. For example, iron, copper, sodium and calcium are all metals, whereas oxygen, chlorine and sulfur are non-metals. Recognising that metals dominate the table helps you predict properties and interpret trends rather than learning each element separately.
What earns the marks
- States that most elements in the periodic table are metals, with non-metals forming a minority.
- Identifies common metals such as sodium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc from their position or name.
- Links the metal majority to characteristic properties such as electrical conductivity, malleability and shiny appearance.
- Uses the periodic table to distinguish a metal from a non-metal by location rather than by memorising every element.
- Applies the idea that metals generally form positive ions when they react.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming that about half of all elements are metals.
Put it right: That the large majority are metals.
Treating hydrogen as a metal because it sits at the top left.
Put it right: Hydrogen is a non-metal despite its position.
Believing that all metals are magnetic or all metals are hard.
Put it right: Only some metals are magnetic and hardness varies widely.
Exam tips
- When asked to classify an element, quote its position in the periodic table as evidence rather than relying on appearance alone.
- Use the phrase 'the majority of elements are metals' precisely, because 'many' or 'some' weakens a classification answer.
- If a question gives an unfamiliar element, decide metal or non-metal from its position before predicting its properties.
Try the lesson
The start of the Metals and non-metals: The majority of elements are metals. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement about the elements in the periodic table is correct?
Listen
The periodic table contains over one hundred elements, and most of them are metals. Metals occupy the large block on the left, centre and lower part of the table, including Groups 1, 2 and the transition metals, while non-metals form a much smaller region towards the top right. This matters because the physical and chemical behaviour you meet in later topics, such as conduction, malleability, reaction with acids and formation of positive ions, applies to the majority of elements. For example, iron, copper, sodium and calcium are all metals, whereas oxygen, chlorine and sulfur are non-metals. Recognising that metals dominate the table helps you predict properties and interpret trends rather than learning each element separately. A strong answer earns marks for these points. States that most elements in the periodic table are metals, with non-metals forming a minority. Identifies common metals such as sodium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc from their position or name. Links the metal majority to characteristic properties such as electrical conductivity, malleability and shiny appearance. Uses the periodic table to distinguish a metal from a non-metal by location rather than by memorising every element. A common slip: Assuming that about half of all elements are metals. Instead, that the large majority are metals. Exam tip: When asked to classify an element, quote its position in the periodic table as evidence rather than relying on appearance alone.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Periodic table structure
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Classification of elements
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Physical properties of metals
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Chemical behaviour and ion formation
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See every definition
- Periodic table structure
- Metals occupy the large block on the left, centre and lower part of the table, while non-metals form a much smaller region towards the top right.
- Classification of elements
- Elements can be distinguished as metal or non-metal by their location in the periodic table rather than by memorising every element.
- Physical properties of metals
- Characteristic properties such as electrical conductivity, malleability and shiny appearance apply to the majority of elements.
- Chemical behaviour and ion formation
- Metals generally form positive ions when they react, and this behaviour applies to the majority of elements.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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