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''Metal can refer to: [[Heavy metal music]]''
''Metal can refer to: [[Heavy metal music]]''
'''Metals''' are shiny, [[solid]], and [[conductive]] [[element]]s. A common example is [[iron]]. They contrast with the [[nonmetal]]s. They are generally found on the left side of the [[periodic table of the elements|periodic table]]. Most [[elements]] in the periodic table are classified as metals. In [[astronomy]] and [[cosmology]], the term "metals" includes any elements other than [[hydrogen]] or [[helium]]. This is termed [[metallicity]].
=Properties of Metals=
Most metals have the following properties:
*They have high [[melting point]]s and [[boiling point]]s
*They are good conductors of [[heat]] and [[electricity]]
*They tend to be quite [[density|dense]]
*When cut, the newly exposed surface is shiny and this dulls over time with [[oxidation]]
*They are ductile (meaning they can be drawn out to form wires)
*They are malleable (meaning they can be deformed into other shapes, e.g. pressed to form sheets)
Not all metals have all these properties, but share a number of them. Some metals such as [[titanium]] and [[aluminum]] are strong and have a low density, while others are soft and very dense, like [[lead]]. [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] is a liquid at room temperature and [[gallium]] has a melting point of 30°C and will melt in your hand.
Most metals are [[reducing agent]]s. The reactivity of metals varies drastically. The [[Alkali Metal|alkali metals]] and [[alkaline earth metal]]s have to be stored in oil because they react with water and air vigorously. [[Gold]] and [[platinum]] on the other hand are extremely unreactive.
=Structure=
Metals tend to have a [[crystal|crystalline]] structure. They consist of [[ion]]s arranged in a regular, periodic fashion, surrounded by delocalized [[electron]]s. These delocalized electrons can move freely throughout the metal, meaning metals can easily conduct an electrical current or heat. The interaction between the sea of delocalized electrons and the positive ions is called a [[metallic bond]].
==See also==
==See also==