Metal Physical PropertiesCommon physical properties of metals are:• High melting point — most metals have high values, > 300°C.

• High boiling point — most metals have high values, > 1 000°C.

• Solid at room temperature (except mercury).

An exception:

Mercury has a m.p. of -39oC

Iron has a m.p. of 1540oC

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Metal Physical Properties• High density — most metals have high values, > 3 g mL-1.

Density of gold = 19.3gmL-1

Density of ice = 0.9 gmL-1

Exception = Aluminum with 2.7gmL-1

• Malleability — all metals are very malleable (can be bent and flattened).

10mL of ice 10mL of gold

Metal Physical Properties• Good thermal conductivity — all metals have high thermal

conductivity (pass on kinetic energy of particles). A metal conducts thermal energy well by the vibration of positive ions as well as via the mobile (free) electrons.

• Good electrical conductivity — all metals have very high electrical conductivity (allows charge to flow). Metals are good conductors of electricity because of the mobility of the valence electrons. Charge moves from electron to electron.

In insulators charge becomes trapped as the electrons are not free to move.

Metal Physical Properties• Ductility — all metals are very ductile (can be drawn into a

wire).

• Lustre (shiny when freshly cut)

• Sonorous — all metals make a 'ringing' noise when struck.

Metal Physical Properties• Magnetisation - some metals, especially iron, can

be magnetised.

Metals are used for purposes that relate to their properties. For example: Iron in buildings (strong, brittle); lead for flashings (very malleable); and copper for cooking pots (high thermal conductivity, attractive, unreactive).