Properties of Metals This presentation shows the main properties of metals and their meanings.

Strong and Hard Most metals are generally strong and hard. They are difficult to break down into smaller pieces and changing their shape usually involves a lot of effort.

Conductors They are very good conductors of heat and electricity. This is why they are used for pots and pans and in electrical circuits to carry the current.

Dense Most metals have high density. This is why they feel heavy and sink when placed in water.

Shiny and Silvery Most metals are silvery in colour, except copper and gold. Some go dull over time. All metals are shiny when freshly cut.

High Melting and Boiling Points Most metals have very high melting and boiling points. They need to be heated to very high temperatures before they melt to become liquids.

Solids All metals are solids at room temperature. The only exception is mercury. Mercury is the only liquid under normal conditions.

Malleable This property means that metals can be hit without shattering. They can be hammered into shape, even when cold and not break into lots of small pieces.

Ductile This property means that metals can stretched very thinly without them breaking. This is why they can be drawn out into wires.

Reactivity Series of Metals Exploring Science – M. O’Callaghan et al, Edco 2003

Reaction of Zinc with HCl Acid + Metal >>> Salt + Hydrogen Junior Cert Science “A Voyage of Discovery” Pg 309 Dorgan, H., Kennedy, D., Walsh. P., Folens (2003

Testing for Hydrogen Junior Cert Science “A Voyage of Discovery” Pg 309 Dorgan, H., Kennedy, D., Walsh. P., Folens (2003

Relative Reactivities of Metals with Water Junior Cert Science “A Voyage of Discovery” Pg 311 Dorgan, H., Kennedy, D., Walsh. P., Folens (2003