Properties of Metals – Lesson Summary

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Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about the different physical properties of metals and some of the many uses they are suitable for.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Describe physical properties common to all metals: lustre, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, malleability and ductility.
  • Describe physical properties that vary among metals: melting point, hardness, strength and density.
  • Describe the arrangement of atoms in metals and explain how it accounts for their physical properties.
  • Give examples of uses of metals that take advantage of their unique properties.
  • Describe alloys and give examples of how their superior properties make them more suitable in certain situations.

 
physical properties of metals

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Lesson Topics

1 | Metallic Structures

2 | Metallic Lustre

3 | Electrical Conductivity of Metals

4 | Thermal Conductivity of Metals

5 | Malleability and Ductility of Metals

6 | Melting Point of Metals

7 | Hardness of Metals

8 | Strength of Metals

9 | Density of Metals

10 | Metal Alloys

11 | Common Metal Alloys

12 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Metals are a large group of elements with a common atomic arrangement and similar properties.
  • Metallic structures consist of lattices of metal ions surrounded by delocalised electrons.
  • These structures are held together by strong metallic bonds.
  • Physical properties common to all metals include:
  • Metallic lustre – a mirror-like shininess when freshly cut or polished.
  • Malleability – the ability to be bent into different shapes.
  • Ductility – the ability to be drawn into wires.
  • Electrical conductivity – the ability to conduct electric charge.
  • Thermal conductivity – the ability to transfer heat.
  • Other properties common to most metals include:
  • High melting point.
  • Hardness.
  • High strength.
  • High density.
  • Alloys are mixtures containing a metal and one or more other elements.
  • Substitutional alloys are those where atoms within the metallic lattice are replaced by other atoms.
  • Interstitial alloys are those where additional atoms occupy spaces within the metallic lattice.
  • Alloys are metallic structures with enhanced properties compared to their components.

 
metallic-structure-lattice

(Image: TheDigitalArtist, Pixabay)

(Header image: Homar, Pixabay)