Comparing the properties of metals and Comparing the properties of metals and non-metalsnon-metals

Metals Non-MetalsGood conductors of electricity Poor conductors of electricity

Good heat conductors Poor heat conductors

Malleable (can be moulded into shape)

Non-malleable (brittle in their solid form)

Ductile (can be pulled into wires)

Non-ductile

Shiny (when freshly cut) Not usually shiny

Many have high melting points Low melting point

Many have high boiling points Low boiling point

Ductility

Electrons act as a type of lubricant between the layers of ions. This explains why it’s possible to pull metals to form wires.

Melting Point

The strength of metallic bonds depends on the number of outer electrons in the atoms (the more outer electrons there are , the higher the melting point).

Electrical Conductors

Connecting the sides to a battery makes the electrons move from the negative side towards the positive – this is the flow of current.

MetalsMetals The key to understanding a metal’s properties lies in its structure

positive ions

free electrons

A metal structure is an ordered pattern of positive ions in a ‘sea’ of negative electrons.

Explaining the properties of

METALS

AlloysAlloys Stainless steel is an example of an alloy used to make saucepans and cutlery.

Some modern alloys can recover their shape after bending. These are used in frames for glasses. They are a type of ‘smart material’ called shape-memory alloy.

Metallic GlassMetallic GlassAs mentioned previously, most solids have a structure that shows a regular pattern but it’s possible to form metals that show less of a pattern – these are the metallic glasses.

Metallic glasses are three times as strong as steel and ten times more flexible, making them ideal for use as golf club-heads.