Properties of metals

This lesson covers: 

  1. Location of metals on the periodic table
  2. Properties of metals

Metals in the periodic table

Diagram of the periodic table highlighting metals and non-metals.

Most elements in the periodic table are metals.

They are found on the left and middle of the periodic table.

Properties of metals

Metals have several distinct properties that we use to identify them.

Metals conduct electricity

Diagram showing metal ions and delocalised electrons which can conduct electricity.
  • Metals easily conduct electricity because they contain free or delocalised electrons.
  • These electrons can move through the metal carrying electrical charge.
  • An electric current is the flow of charge around a circuit.
  • This makes metals useful for making electrical wires.

Metals conduct thermal energy

Diagram showing how metal atoms conduct thermal energy from hot to cold areas.
  • Metals conduct heat because their atoms are tightly packed together.
  • When heated, metal atoms vibrate and pass energy to their neighbouring atoms.
  • Vibrations travel quickly down the metal from hot to cool areas.
  • This makes metals useful for cooking pots and pans.

Metals are strong

Metal bridge over a river with structural supports and greenery in the background.
  • Metals are strong materials due to the strong bonds between their atoms.
  • This makes them useful building materials.

Metals are malleable and ductile

Comparison of malleable and ductile metals showing bent metal sheets and coiled wire.
  • Metals are malleable and ductile because their atoms can slide over each other.
  • Malleable means metals they be hammered, bent, and shaped without breaking.
  • Ductile means that they can be drawn to wires.

Metals are shiny

Row of golden statues on a shelf.
  • Polished metals strongly reflect light due to their smooth surface.
  • This gives them a shiny appearance.

Metals are sonorous

Person holding a metal bowl being struck with a mallet to demonstrate sonorous property of metals.
  • Metals produce a characteristic "ringing" sound when hit or struck.
  • This makes them useful for making musical instruments.

Metals have high melting points

Table showing the melting points of metals including titanium at 1917 degrees Celsius, iron at 1539 degrees Celsius, and copper at 1083 degrees Celsius.
  • Metals require a lot of energy to melt due to their strong bonds between atoms.
  • This means that metals have very high melting points.

Metals are dense

Diagram showing the structural differences between metals and non-metals with tightly packed atoms in metals and loosely packed atoms in non-metals.
  • Metals have a high density because their atoms pack tightly together.
  • This means they feel relatively heavy for their size.

Metals form alloys

Diagram comparing the atomic structure of pure metal and alloy.
  • When different metals are mixed together alloys are formed.
  • Producing alloys combines the physical properties of the metals.
  • This means that we can produce alloys with the particular properties we need.

Some metals are magnetic

  • Only iron, nickel, and cobalt metals are naturally magnetic.
  • Their alloys are also magnetic. For example steel is an alloy made from iron and so is also magnetic.