2.2.8 Properties of Metals & Alloys

• Have High Melting Points: They don't melt easily, which is why they're good for cooking and other high-temperature uses.
• Conduct Heat and Electricity: Metals are good at transferring heat and electricity, making them ideal for pots, pans, and electrical wiring.
• Have High Density: Metals are usually heavy for their size.
• Are Malleable: Metals can be bent or hammered into shapes without breaking. This makes them useful for making things like car parts and metal sheets.
• Brittle vs. Malleable: A brittle substance breaks easily when bent, while a malleable one bends without breaking.

Exceptions to the General Properties:

Mercury: Unlike most metals, mercury is a liquid at room temperature. It has a low boiling point, which is why it doesn't solidify like other metals.

Graphite: Although graphite is a form of carbon (a non-metal), it can conduct electricity because it has free-moving electrons, similar to metals.

What are Alloys?

• Pure Metals: In a pure metal, the atoms are arranged in neat rows, forming a regular lattice. These layers can slide over each other easily, making the metal softer.
• Why Are Alloys Stronger?: When another element is mixed with a metal to create an alloy, the atoms are different sizes. This disrupts the regular arrangement, making it harder for the layers to slide over each other. As a result, alloys are much stronger and harder than pure metals.