Metals
Science: KS3, topic 2.4.5
Metals
The periodic table has a dividing step line. Metals can be found on the left-hand side of the line. Around three-quarters of the elements are metals.
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.
Common metals
- The two most common metals found in the Earth’s crust are Aluminium and Iron.
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.
More metal uses
- 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.
Metal properties
- Metals have these properties:
- Shiny (lustrous) – so useful in jewellery.
- Strong – used as building materials.
- Malleable – can be made into different shapes.
Sonorous metals
- Sonorous (ring when hit) – used in bells.
Metal properties 2
- More properties:
- Good heat conductor – used in saucepans.
- Good electrical conductor – for wires.
- Ductile – made into wires easily.
More metal properties
- 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.
Test yourself on Metals
What fraction of the elements on the periodic table are metals?
Which of these is the correct use of each metal?
What metal is not magnetic, unlike iron, nickel and cobalt?
Metals are good conductors of heat. Why might a saucepan handle be made from plastic instead of metal?
A bicycle frame should be as light as possible. Between aluminium and iron, which metal would be the better choice for this?