Malleability
Metals are malleable, that is, they can be broken down into thin sheets without breaking.
- Example : Aluminium, Iron
- Exceptions : Zinc, Arsenic, Mercury
Ductility
Metals are ductile, that is, they can be stretched to make thin wires without breaking.
- Example : Copper, Aluminium
- Exceptions : Mercury, Zinc
Luster (or Shine)
All metals have a shiny surface. They are lustrous. Though, they can lose their luster by getting corroded
- Example : Copper, Aluminium, Gold
- Exceptions : No- exceptions
Heat Conductivity
Metals are good conductors of heat, that is why frying pans are made of metals.
- Example : Silver, Copper
- Exceptions : Mercury, Lead
Electrical Conductivity
Metals are good conductors of heat, that is why they are used to make electrical wires
- Example : Silver, Copper
- Exceptions : Mercury, Lead
Hardness
Most metals are hard . This hardness varies from metal to metal.
- Example : Aluminium, Iron
- Exceptions : Sodium, Potassium
Solids
Metals are solid at room temperature.
- Example : Aluminium, Iron
- Exceptions : Mercury
Melting and Boiling points
Metals have high melting and boiling points . (>1000°C)
- Example : Tungsten, Gold, Silver, Copper
- Exceptions : Sodium, Potassium, Mercury, Gallium, Cesium
Sonority
Metals are sonorous. They make sounds when hit.
- Example : Tin, Silver, Gold, Copper, Iron
- Exceptions : Mercury
Summary of Physical Properties of Metals
|
Property |
Definition |
Examples |
Exceptions |
|
Malleability |
Being beaten into thin sheets without breaking is called malleability. |
Silver, Gold, Copper, Iron, Aluminium |
Zinc, Arsenic, Mercury |
|
Ductility |
Property of being stretched into long wires without breaking. |
Gold is the most ductile metal. Silver, copper are also ductile. |
Mercury, Zinc, |
|
Lustre |
The shine of a material is called lustre. |
All metals show lustre. |
None |
|
Good conductor of heat |
Property to withstand high temperatures without melting |
Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Gold and Silver |
Mercury, Lead |
|
Good conductor of electricity |
Property of letting electric current pass through it |
Silver, Gold, Copper, Aluminium |
Tungsten |
|
Hardness |
The property of being hard in nature and resisting easy breakage. |
Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Zinc |
Sodium metal can be cut with a knife, it is soft in nature. |
|
Solidity |
Metals are solid at room temperature. |
Iron, Zinc |
Mercury |
|
Sonority |
Producing a ringing sound when struck |
Tin, Silver, Gold, Copper, Iron |
Mercury |
|
High Melting Point |
The temperature at which it transforms from a solid to liquid state |
Tungsten, Gold, Silver, Copper |
Sodium, Potassium, Gallium and Caesium |
|
High Boiling Point |
The temperature at which vapour state is reached |
Tungsten, Gold, Silver |
Sodium, Potassium, Mercury |
|
Solid Metals |
Compact, Rigid shape |
All metals |
Mercury |
