Metals
The elements are divided into two main types, metals and nonmetals, based on their properties. About 75% of the elements are classified as metals. The name metal comes from the Greek word "métallon" meaning "mine, quarry, metal".
Properties of metals:
Mostly solids
Hard, shiny, malleable meaning flexible
Metals are ductile, can be pulled thinner and longer without breaking
Metals are good conductors of electricity because the free electrons can move around freely within the metal. Metals like iron (Fe), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and gold (Ag) are often used in electronic cables and electrical circuits because of their electrical conductivity.
Good conductors of heat
Most have high melting point
Most have high boiling point
Most metals have high densities
Metals are very reactive. Most metals readily combine with other substances. Metals usually react with oxygen in the air to form oxides.
- sodium + oxygen sodium oxide
- 4 Na + O2 2 Na2O
Oxides are basic
Some metals are magnetic. The most common magnetic metal is iron.
Metals like uranium and plutonium are radioactive because as their nucleus breaks up, they release radiation
All the metals are found on the left side in the periodic table. They are further classified as