Facts about Metals
Metals are usually thought of as being hard substances, high in density and melting point.
Historically, precious metals were important as currency, but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities.
Metals that resist oxidation or corrosion are called noble metals, which also tend to be precious metals.
Solid nonmetals, on the other hand, are generally brittle, lack luster, and are insulators.
The alkali metals (in Group 1 of the periodic table) react quickest, followed by the alkaline earth metals (in group 2).
Metals and their alloys are extremely useful for both aesthetic and practical purposes.
Note that 100 percent pure bullion is not possible, because the absolute purity of extracted and refined metals can only be approached asymptotically.
Elements on this line are metalloids, sometimes called semi-metals; elements to the lower left are metals; elements to the upper right are nonmetals.
Some metals form a barrier layer of oxide on their surface, which cannot be penetrated by further oxygen molecules.
Metals form one of three groups of elements—the other two being nonmetals and metalloids.
Some well-known metals are aluminum, calcium, copper, gold, iron, lead, magnesium, platinum, silver, titanium, uranium, and zinc.
A long-cherished goal of the alchemists was the transmutation of base metals into precious metals.
On the other hand, some of the densest metals are osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold.
Most metals are chemically unstable, reacting with oxygen in the air to form oxides.
A number of metals, such as platinum and palladium, are good catalysts for chemical reactions.
The oxides of metals are basic (as opposed to those of nonmetals, which are acidic).
On the periodic table, a diagonal line drawn from boron (B) to polonium (Po) separates the metals from the nonmetals.
Precious metals, particularly gold and silver, are used in jewelry and decorative items.
Precious metals in bulk form are known as bullion and are traded on commodity markets.
In alchemy, the term base metal was used as a designation for common and inexpensive metals, to draw a contrast with precious metals such as gold and silver.
Other precious metals include the platinum group metals: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which platinum is the most widely traded.
The transition metals—such as iron, copper, zinc, and nickel—take much longer to oxidize.
Chemically, the precious metals are less reactive than most elements.
Other metals—such as palladium, platinum, and gold—do not react with the atmosphere at all.
Interesting Facts about Alkali MetalsBecause they are so reactive with air and water, they are generally stored in oil.Cesium and rubidium are used to make atomic clocks. ... Sodium and potassium both play an important role in biological life on Earth. ... Sometimes cesium is also spelled "caesium."More items...
The alkali metals are a group (column) in the periodic table consisting of the chemical elements lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), and francium (Fr).
The reactivity of the alkali metals increases down the group. Lithium is the least reactive and potassium is the most reactive of the three. The hydrogen ignites immediately during the reaction between potassium and water with the potassium producing a lilac coloured flame.
Lithium.Uses of Lithium: Lithium is used in lubricants, in batteries, in glass industries, and in alloys of lead, aluminum, and magnesium to make them less dense and stronger.Sodium.Uses of sodium:Potassium.Uses of potassium:Rubidium and cesium.More items...
Alkali metals are the chemical elements found in Group 1 of the periodic table. The alkali metals include: lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium.Jun 20, 2017
The alkali metals, found in group 1 of the periodic table (formerly known as group IA), are very reactive metals that do not occur freely in nature. These metals have only one electron in their outer shell. Therefore, they are ready to lose that one electron in ionic bonding with other elements.
Alkali metals are the first group in the periodic table. They are never found in nature uncombined because they are unstable and they react fast to other elements. They bond well with all elements except the noble gases.
The alkali metals have the following properties in common:they have low melting and boiling points compared to most other metals.they are very soft and can be cut easily with a knife.they have low densities (lithium, sodium and potassium will float on water)More items...
All the alkali metals react vigorously with cold water. In each reaction, hydrogen gas is given off and the metal hydroxide is produced. The speed and violence of the reaction increases as you go down the group. This shows that the reactivity of the alkali metals increases as you go down Group 1.
We also break down five common metal finishes that can influence the way metals look.Aluminum. Similar in appearance to stainless steel, aluminum is lighter and less strong than steel. ... Brass. ... Copper. ... Stainless Steel. ... Wrought Iron. ... 5 Common Metal Finishes.
Rare metals with high value, like gold, silver and platinum are often used to make jewellery. Metals are also used to make fasteners and screws. Pots used for cooking can be made from copper, aluminium, steel or iron.
Metals and their alloys with other metals find extensive use in our daily life. Iron, copper, aluminium, silver, gold, etc., are extensively used. Iron or steel is used for the construction of bridges, houses, automobile parts, etc. ... The liquid metal mercury is used in making thermometers.