Properties of metals

All metals

1. Most of the metals are naturally occurring elements with the exceptions of some short-lived metals that are radioactive (i.e. these short-lived metals are transition metals and inner transition metals).
2. Metals have shiny metallic luster.
3. Metals conduct electricity and heat.
4. Metals are malleable, so they can be hammered into different shapes.
5. Metals are ductile, so they can be drawn into thin wire.
6. Metals are high in density. Of all the metals, lead is the highest in density.
7. Metals have high melting points and most are solids at room temperature.
8. Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
9. Cesium and gallium have low melting points; (melting points are less than 30°C).
10. Metals do not combine chemically with each other, but react with nonmetals to form compounds.
11. Of all the metals, Group IA (i.e. alkali metals) are the most reactive.
12. Metals near the center of the periodic table are less reactive.
13. Less reactive metals are more likely to be found in nature as uncombined elements (i.e. copper, silver, gold).
14. Reactive metals such as the alkali metals are never found as uncombined elements (i.e. lithium, sodium).

Content suitability

BCIT courses: CHEM 0011