Physical Properties of Metals
Electrical conduction: Metals are electrical conductors because the
delocalised electrons in a metal are mobile and so they can move through
the lattice under the influence of an electric field.
Thermal conduction: Metals have high thermal conductivity. When a metal
is heated, the electrons in the high temperature region gain kinetic energy
and move towards the cooler regions where they transfer their energy.
Melting and Boiling point: Metals have high melting and boiling point
because high energy is needed to overcome the strong electrostatic forces
of attraction between the positively charged ions and the delocalised
electrons. Due to their high melting point metals (except mercury) are solid
at room temperature.
Malleable and Ductile: Metals can be hammered into different shapes i.e-
they are malleable, and can also be drawn into wires i.e- they are ductile.
The positive ions can move within the sea of electrons under stress and
whenever they move they are always surrounded by the sea of electrons.
That is why metals can be hammered into shapes and can be bended.
Metals are also shiny.
Electrical conduction: Metals are electrical conductors because the
delocalised electrons in a metal are mobile and so they can move through
the lattice under the influence of an electric field.
Thermal conduction: Metals have high thermal conductivity. When a metal
is heated, the electrons in the high temperature region gain kinetic energy
and move towards the cooler regions where they transfer their energy.
Melting and Boiling point: Metals have high melting and boiling point
because high energy is needed to overcome the strong electrostatic forces
of attraction between the positively charged ions and the delocalised
electrons. Due to their high melting point metals (except mercury) are solid
at room temperature.
Malleable and Ductile: Metals can be hammered into different shapes i.e-
they are malleable, and can also be drawn into wires i.e- they are ductile.
The positive ions can move within the sea of electrons under stress and
whenever they move they are always surrounded by the sea of electrons.
That is why metals can be hammered into shapes and can be bended.
Metals are also shiny.
