2.4.4

Metals

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Metals

Metals can be found on the left-hand side of the dividing step line on the periodic table. Around three-quarters of the elements are metals.

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Metals

  • The word metal comes from the Latin word metallum, which means to mine or quarry.
  • There are 91 metals on the periodic table.
  • All except mercury are solid at room temperature.
  • The two most common metals found in the Earth’s crust are Aluminium and Iron.
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Metal Uses

  • Metals are used widely because of their interesting and useful properties.
  • Aluminium is used in making aircraft as it is very lightweight.
  • Gold and Silver is used in making jewellery.
  • Copper is used in electrical wiring as it is a good conductor of electricity.
  • Iron is strong and so it is used in making nails.
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Metal properties

  • Metals generally have the following properties:
    • Shiny (lustrous) – so useful in jewellery.
    • Strong – used as building materials.
    • Malleable – so they can be made into different shapes.
    • Sonorous (ring when hit) – used in bells.
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Metal properties 2

  • Other properties include:
    • Good heat conductor – used in saucepans.
    • Good electrical conductor – for electrical wires.
    • Ductile – made into wires easily.
    • Magnetic – iron, nickel and cobalt are the only magnetic metals.
    • Solid – only mercury isn't solid at room temperature.
    • High density – most will sink in water.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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