Section 4-2 What gives metals their distinctive properties?

Characteristics of Metals Elements that are shiny, malleable, ductile and good conductors of heat and electricity Malleable – hammered or rolled into sheets Ductile – can be drawn into wires The properties of metal depend on the unique configuration of electrons, protons, and neutrons Alloy – a solid or liquid solution of two or more metals brass Steel

More on Metals Atoms of metal usually have three electrons in their outermost energy level Metallic Bonding – positively charged metallic ions are surrounded by a sea of electrons

Crystals Crystals – a substance in which the atoms or molecules are arranged in an orderly geometric, repeating pattern The outer electrons in atoms bind together in a crystal These electrons are in orbitals Electrons in the higher orbitals are free to move throughout the crystal this forms the conduction band

Metalloids (Semiconductors) The Conduction Band A band in which electrons must move to allow electrical conduction Similar to the sea of electrons Metals Metalloids (Semiconductors) Nonmetals

The Structure of Metallic Crystals Atoms pack together in the densest fashion Think of it as fruits in a basket