Metals
What is a metal? Metals are elements that are good conductors of electric current and heat. Tend to be shiny and bendable Begin on the left side of the periodic table and extend to the right Consist of the majority of the elements on the periodic table. Example: Copper
Physical Properties of Metals Luster- shiny and reflective. Malleable- one that can be hammered or rolled into flat sheets. Ductile- one that can be pulled out, or drawn, into long wires.
Physical Properties of Metals Thermal Conductivity- the ability of an object to transfer heat. Electrical conductivity- the ability of an object to carry electric current. Some metals are also magnetic.
Chemical Properties of Metals The ease and speed with which an element combines, or reacts, with other substances is called its reactivity. React by losing electrons to other atoms. The breaking down of a metal due to chemical reaction in the environment is called corrosion.
Classification of Metals The metals of Group 1 are called the Alkali metals. Most reactive elements in the periodic table. Found only in compounds. Low densities and melting points. Example: Lithium (Li).
Classification of Metals The metals of Group 2 are called the Alkaline earth metals. Harder and denser Melt at high temperatures than alkali metals. Very reactive, but not as reactive as alkali metals. Example: Calcium (Ca)
Classification of Metals The metals of Group 2 through 12 are called the Transition metals. Include copper, nickel, gold, and silver. Most are hard and shiny solids. Have high melting points and high densities. Good conductors of heat and electric current. Very malleable.
Classification of Metals Only some of the metals in Groups 13 through 16 are metals. Two rows of elements are placed below the main part of the table. Lanthanides—top row Actinides—bottom row (are not found in nature but made in laboratories)
Classification of Metals Elements that follow uranium in the periodic table are transuranium elements. Are made when nuclear particles are forced to crash into one another. Also called synthetic elements.