Explain the physical properties of metals.

Question

Vedantu Content Team · Accepted Answer

Hint:   In the periodic table, generally elements are metals like transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Metals and non-metals are separated in a periodic table through a zigzag line. The physical properties are related to its structure, density, bonding and physical appearance. Complete step by step answer:Let us discuss the physical properties of metals and the reason why metals show such properties. S. No.NAME OF PROPERTYREASON BEHIND 1Shiny or lustrous in natureIn metals, there are free electrons. These free electrons give a metal its shine. Light reflects off these outer electrons which makes metals appear shiny. 2Good conductor of electricityElectricity means the flow of electrons in a wire. In metals, there are delocalised electrons which are not held firmly by a specific atom. Instead electrons can move freely throughout the lattice. Thus, metals are good conductors of electricity.3MalleableMetals are malleable means they can be bent and shaped because they consist of layers of atoms. These layers have the ability to slide over one another when the metal is bent or hammered. The atoms can roll over each other. 4DuctileMetals are ductile (have the ability to be drawn into wires). The reason is the same, that is the ability of the atoms to roll over each other into new positions without breaking the metallic bond. 5Generally, solid in nature at room temperatureThis is the consequence of metallic bonding. Have intermolecular force of attraction between the atoms. 6OpaqueThe atoms are bonded with metallic bonding and these atoms are arranged in a lattice. Moreover, closely packed hence, no space is left in between the molecules.7Melting point is highThe energy needed to overcome the forces of attraction between the metal ions and the delocalised electrons in the metal is extremely high because the metals are giant lattice structures and have electrostatic forces of attraction. 8Good conductor of heatThere are two reasons for this, one is the close packing of the metal ions in the lattice and other is the delocalised electrons which carry kinetic energy throughout the lattice.Note:  Not all metals show these properties, as there are a few metals which does follow these properties and that to a few properties only. (1) Sodium $\left( \text{Na} \right)$ and Potassium $\left( \text{K} \right)$ have low melting and boiling points.(2) Mercury $\left( \text{Hg} \right)$ is liquid at room temperature. (3) Zinc $\left( \text{Zn} \right)$ is neither ductile or malleable.

S. No.	NAME OF PROPERTY	REASON BEHIND
1	Shiny or lustrous in nature	In metals, there are free electrons. These free electrons give a metal its shine. Light reflects off these outer electrons which makes metals appear shiny.
2	Good conductor of electricity	Electricity means the flow of electrons in a wire. In metals, there are delocalised electrons which are not held firmly by a specific atom. Instead electrons can move freely throughout the lattice. Thus, metals are good conductors of electricity.
3	Malleable	Metals are malleable means they can be bent and shaped because they consist of layers of atoms. These layers have the ability to slide over one another when the metal is bent or hammered. The atoms can roll over each other.
4	Ductile	Metals are ductile (have the ability to be drawn into wires). The reason is the same, that is the ability of the atoms to roll over each other into new positions without breaking the metallic bond.
5	Generally, solid in nature at room temperature	This is the consequence of metallic bonding. Have intermolecular force of attraction between the atoms.
6	Opaque	The atoms are bonded with metallic bonding and these atoms are arranged in a lattice. Moreover, closely packed hence, no space is left in between the molecules.
7	Melting point is high	The energy needed to overcome the forces of attraction between the metal ions and the delocalised electrons in the metal is extremely high because the metals are giant lattice structures and have electrostatic forces of attraction.
8	Good conductor of heat	There are two reasons for this, one is the close packing of the metal ions in the lattice and other is the delocalised electrons which carry kinetic energy throughout the lattice.