Question

Describe the general characteristics of metals

Short answer

Metals are generally solid, shiny, crystalline, and have high densities, melting and boiling points. They are excellent conductors of electricity and heat due to their free electrons. Metals are malleable and ductile, meaning they can be shaped into thin sheets and wires without breakage. In terms of chemical reactivity, metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions, reacting with nonmetals to produce compounds or salts, with varying levels of reactivity depending on the metal.

Step-by-step solution

1. Appearance and Physical Properties

Metals are generally solid at room temperature (except mercury), have a shiny appearance or metallic luster, and are crystalline in structure. They usually have high densities, melting points, and boiling points.

2. Electrical Conductivity

Metals are excellent conductors of electricity due to the presence of free electrons in their structures. When a voltage is applied to a metal, the electrons can easily move through the lattice, allowing an electric current to flow.

3. Thermal Conductivity

Metals are also good conductors of heat, which is related to their capacity to conduct electricity. Heat is transferred by the movement of electrons, and since metals have a large number of free electrons, they are effective at conducting and dissipating heat energy.

4. Malleability and Ductility

Metals are malleable, which means they can be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. They are also ductile or can be drawn out into thin wires. Both of these properties result from the ability of metal atoms to slide past one another within the crystal lattice without fracturing the material.

5. Chemical Reactivity

Metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations) in chemical reactions. They have a propensity to react with nonmetals to form metal compounds or salts, such as oxides, sulfides, and halides. The reactivity of metals varies, with some like alkali metals (e.g., sodium and potassium) being highly reactive, while others like noble metals (e.g., gold and platinum) are relatively unreactive and do not corrode easily.