Why are wires made of copper, and not of sulphur? Why does a bell ring? In this course we compare the physical properties of metals and non-metals, we meet the exceptions, and we learn why metals are mixed to make alloys.
3 lessons, about 1 h 15 min3 simulations10 problems6 practice questionsPython in every lesson
Created by StemPy LabMetals are usually shiny, hard, malleable, ductile and sonorous, and they conduct heat and electricity. Gold and silver are the most malleable and ductile, and silver and copper are the best conductors. There are exceptions, such as mercury, which is a liquid, and sodium, which is soft.
Non-metals are usually dull, brittle, poor conductors, and not malleable or ductile. Carbon as graphite conducts, and iodine is shiny. Metalloids such as silicon have properties of both. We must remember the exceptions when we sort elements.
An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of a metal with one or more other elements, made by melting them together and cooling. Alloys are usually harder and stronger than the pure metal, resist corrosion better, and can have a lower melting point or a different conductivity. Brass is copper and zinc, bronze is copper and tin, solder is lead and tin, stainless steel is iron with chromium and nickel, and steel is iron with a little carbon. Pure gold is 24 carat, and 22 carat gold is 91.7 percent gold.
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