Metal and its Physical Properties

The metal definition is referred to as any sort of component with a positive charge of electricity generally with the best heat conductor and a shiny surface. The best example of a metal considered mostly is gold. A metal consists of three main types including “ferrous metals”, “alloys” and “non-ferrous metals”. In chemistry, metal is mentioned as the chemical components group that have some specific properties. Metallic atoms easily become positive ions and easily lose an electron. The major physical properties of a metal are that the metals are considered ductile and malleable. Metals and non-metals possess distinct properties and distinct reactions. It is reflected that the substances that are malleable can be hammered or bent into a certain shape without the process of shattering. Another important physical property of metal is that the metallic substances possess a high density, which means that they possess high mass for their size.

Example of metal: discussion

Metals are the elements to be found in the periodic table that displays certain distinct properties that differentiate them from non-metals. However, it is mostly distinguished based on the properties of magnetic interaction and thus these are subdivided into various categories. The metals like pure iron and carbon steel are ferrous metals that display strong magnetic attraction. Mild steels are hard and less ductile but are highly prone to corrosion. Stainless steel on the other hand is an example of a metal that is ferrous and is not prone to rust.

The Non-ferrous metals include aluminium, which is also the second most abundant metal on earth it is highly resistant to corrosion and is widely used in several industrial and household uses. Copper is an example of a metal that is non-ferrous but is heavily used in the industry especially for the preparation of electrical gadgets because it is one of the best conductors of electricity. Brass is a metallic alloy that is highly anti-corrosive and is resistant to water damage and similar properties are displayed in wrought iron. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin and it is highly resistant to wearing and corrosion. It is used in sculptures and different types of machinery.

Physical properties of metal

Physical properties of metal display several usages based on the ability of chemical reaction and bonding with other metals and non-metals.

●       Metals display an ability to react with the non-metal and form ionic bonds; the most common example of this bond is common salt, which is NaCl.

●       Ferrous metals are the most effective conductors of heat and electricity. The free-moving electrons in the atomic structure allow them to vibrate which helps in the affinity towards heat and conduction of electricity.

●       Metals in general display high melting and boiling points because of the presence of metallic bonds in their atomic structure.

●       One of the most prominent physical properties of metal is that they are lustrous which implies their shiny surfaces. Example of metal like Gold are used for making ornaments.

●       Metals are hard; they cannot be broken easily and are thus used for the construction purposes.

●       Metals are heavy because of their high density therefore a small size of metal weighs much more than the non-metallic products of the same amount or size.

●       Metals have less flexibility and have high tensile strength.

Metals definition

Metals definition is subject to distinct properties of the elements that display high conductivity towards heat and electricity and have magnetic properties. These elements are highly dense and have high tensile strength. These elements display properties such as malleability, ductility and illustriousness. Metals occur in crystalline solid structures, which are opaque, and although they have a simple crystalline structure, the structure is thoroughly symmetrical thus; they are compound to each other but form ionic bonds with non-metals

Conclusion

The definition of metals portrays that they are reactive in nature because of the distinction in the stability of their configuration of electrons as ions and atoms. Metals possess the feasible nature to form cations, lose electrons, and react with atmospheric oxygen to form metal oxides. It is demonstrated from the study that metals are ductile in nature and produce good electricity and heat conductivity. The major common examples of metals include “lead”, “tin”, “copper”, “zinc” and “nickel”.