Grade 7 → Metals and Nonmetals ↓
Physical and chemical properties of metals
Metals are a large group of elements that are generally characterized by their lustrous appearance, good conductivity of heat and electricity, malleability, ductility, and tendency to lose electrons in chemical reactions to form positive ions. This lesson will explore the physical and chemical properties of metals in detail.
Physical properties of metals
Physical properties of metals are those characteristics that can be observed without changing the identity of the substance. Some of the main physical properties of metals are as follows:
1. Shiny
When metals are polished, they appear shiny, which is called metallic lustre. This happens because metals can reflect light effectively.
2. Flexibility
Malleability is the ability of metals to be hammered into thin sheets. For example, gold is highly malleable and can be hammered into sheets as thin as leaves.
3. Flexibility
Metals can be drawn into thin wires. For example, copper wires are widely used in electrical wiring.
4. Good conductors of heat and electricity
Metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. This is because metals have free electrons that can move easily through the structure. Silver and copper are the best conductors.
5. High density
Most metals have a high density. This means that they are heavy for their size. For example, lead is dense and feels heavy.
6. High melting and boiling point
Metals generally have high melting and boiling points, which means they require a lot of heat to change state. The melting point of iron is 1538°C (Iron: 1538°C
).
7. Madhur
When metal is struck, a ringing sound is produced. This quality is called sonority. Because of this quality, bells are often made from metals like bronze.
Chemical properties of metals
The chemical properties of metals describe their behavior when they undergo chemical changes.
1. Reaction with oxygen
Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. For example:
4Na + O2 → 2Na2O (Sodium oxide) 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO (Magnesium oxide)
Most metal oxides are alkaline in nature and form alkali when dissolved in water.
2. Reaction with water
Metals can react with water to produce metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas, although not all metals react in the same way.
2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 ↑ (Sodium hydroxide)
Some metals like gold and platinum do not react with water.
3. Reaction with acids
Metals react with acids to form salts and hydrogen gas.
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 ↑ (Zinc chloride)
This reaction is often used in the laboratory to prepare hydrogen gas.
4. Reaction with bases
Some metals react with strong bases such as sodium hydroxide to form complex salts.
2Al + 2NaOH + 6H2O → 2NaAl(OH)4 + 3H2 ↑ (Sodium aluminate)
5. Displacement reactions
In these reactions, more reactive metals displace less reactive metals from their compounds.
CuSO4 + Zn → ZnSO4 + Cu (Copper sulphate and zinc reaction)
Summary
In short, metals are characterized by their ability to conduct heat and electricity, their lustrous appearance, malleability, ductility, and their high density and melting point. Chemically, they readily participate in reactions, often form oxides, react with water and acids, and participate in displacement reactions. Understanding these properties helps us use metals effectively in various industries and applications.