Characteristics of metals

Metals are high-density chemical elements, mostly solid with the exception of mercury, which can be both pure elements and alloys with each other.

In the periodic table, metals are the most abundant chemical elements and they are characterized, mainly, by having their own brightness and being good conductors of heat and electricity. The rest of the elements are denominated as nonmetals.

In this sense, it is important to highlight what are the main characteristics of metals.

Conductors of electricity

Metals have, among their main characteristics, the possibility of being good conductors of electricity due to their low resistance, therefore, the electrical charge can easily pass through these elements.

Among the best conductors of electricity are copper, aluminum, silver and gold. For example, electrical wiring, in addition to having good flexibility, are also electrically conductive metals.

Heat conductors

Metals are also excellent conductors of heat because they offer little resistance to high temperatures. For this reason, metals are widely used as a channel for heat transit.

Malleability

Metals have the property of malleability, this allows their shapes to be modified through the application of a continuous pressure force, hammering, among others, or after a casting process.

There are cases in which metals can be reduced to sheets and, if their modification exceeds the limits of their malleability and elasticity, they can become a fragile and brittle element.

Ductility

It refers to the possibility of molding metals into fine threads or resistant wires, which can only break after suffering great deformation forces.

Tenacity

Metals are also characterized by their high toughness, that is, by being highly resistant throughout the deformation processes before breaking. The toughness of metals is due to the cohesion of their molecules and is linked to the malleability and ductility of metals.

Alloys

Metals allow alloys to be formed, homogeneous mixtures between two or more metals, from which, for example, bronze, steel and brass can be produced, among others.

Brightness

Metals possess among their properties the possibility of reflecting light in such a way that it gives them a particular shine, and that can be different depending on the metal.

Colors

Generally, metals are grayish in color, however they can also be various in color. For example, gold is yellow in color and copper is reddish in color.

Solid state

The metals at room temperature are in a solid state, except for mercury, which is characterized by being a metal that is in a liquid state.

However, various metals can change their physical state if they experience extreme temperatures.

Low electronegativity

Among the chemical properties, low electronegativity and low ionized energy stand out, making metals more easily yield electrons. The fewer the more metallic electrons are the elements.