In this chapter, you will learn to: / classify an element as a metal or a non-metal using the periodic table / investigate the properties of metals and non-metals / describe what an alloy is and give examples of common alloys / identify the conditions needed for the corrosion of metals.
Metals
Metals are extremely useful materials that are used to make everyday items, such as vehicles, cooking utensils, tools and jewellery.
Steel
Aluminium
Copper
Cast iron
Titanium :Fig. 20.1 Metals
Metals are malleable, meaning they can be hammered into shape without cracking. Metals are also ductile, meaning they can be stretched into wire. Metals are shiny in appearance. They have high melting and boiling points, which means they are solid at room temperature. They can conduct heat and electricity well.
Many of the elements on the periodic table are classified as metals. A stepped line, like a staircase, is often used to separate the metal and non-metal elements. Any element to the left of the stepped line is a metal. Any element to the right of the stepped line is a non-metal.