Question
Give important physical characteristics of metals.
Solution
Important physical properties of metal.
(i) Conduction of heat and electricity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
(ii) Metallic lustre: Metals have shining surface.
(iii) Strength: Metals have high tensile strength.
(iv) Melting points and boiling points: Except sodium and potassium, metals have very high melting points and boiling points. Iron melts at 1539°C.
(v) Malleability and ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires (ductile) and can also be beaten into thin sheets with a hammer (malleable).
(vi) Densities: Except sodium and potassium, metals are quite hard and have high densities.
