AQA · Chemistry · 8462

GCSE Chemistry (AQA): Metals & Non-metals

Topic 1 — Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table. Generated from the caption track of Cognito's lesson video "GCSE Chemistry - Metals & Non-metals: Electron Arrangement & Properties (2027/28 exams)"; each card deep-links to the moment in the video it came from. Lesson 1.12 of Cognito's AQA GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) and Chemistry course (Higher tier), filed under AQA Chemistry 8462. Teaching by Cognito — https://cognitoedu.org/coursesubtopic/c2-gcse-aqa-h-c_1.12.

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  1. What type of ion do metals form when they react?

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    Positive ions, e.g. Ca²⁺, because they lose their outer electrons.

  2. Why does metal reactivity increase down a group?

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    More shells means the outer electrons are further from the nucleus, so they are held less strongly and are lost more easily.

  3. How do the melting and boiling points of non-metals compare with those of metals?

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    Non-metals generally have much lower melting and boiling points, and many are gases at room temperature.

  4. Why does chlorine not form a positive ion?

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    It has 7 outer electrons, so losing all 7 would require far too much energy; it gains one instead.

  5. Define a catalyst.

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    A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up itself.

  6. Why do elements on the left of the periodic table form positive ions easily?

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    They have few electrons in their outer shell, so losing them to reach a full outer shell takes little energy.

  7. Metals are ?, meaning they can be bent or hammered into shape without snapping.

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    malleable

  8. Where are the transition metals found in the periodic table?

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    In the central block, between groups 2 and 3.

  9. Which metal catalyses the hydrogenation of alkenes to make margarine?

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    Nickel.

  10. Which property of transition metal ions distinguishes them from group 1 and 2 metal ions in solution?

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    Their compounds/ions are coloured, e.g. chromium ions can be blue, green or orange.

  11. Why are metals used in electrical wires?

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    They are excellent conductors of electricity (and of heat).

  12. What does it mean that metals are sonorous?

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    They make a ringing sound when struck.

  13. Which type of bonding is found in all metals?

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    Metallic bonding — strong bonds responsible for metals' physical properties.

  14. Which metal catalyses the Haber process?

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    Iron.

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