JSS 1: METALS

Metals are elements that ionize by electron loss

They are solid elements that are hard, shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

Examples: Iron, copper, aluminium, zinc, gold, silver, tin, lead etc

      Physical Properties of Metals

1. Metals are Malleable: Metals can be beaten into thin sheets.

2. Metals are Ductile: Metals can be drawn into wires.

3. Metals are Lustrous (Shiny appearance): Metals have a shiny surface when polished.

4. Metals are Sonorous: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck.

5. Metals can conduct heat and electricity.

6. Metals have high density and melting point: Metals are heavy and melt at high temperatures.

7. Metals are Hard: Most metals are hard (except mercury which is liquid).

8. Magnetic property: Some metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic.

       Chemical Properties of Metals

1. Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides (e.g., 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃).

2. Metals react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas (e.g., Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂).

3. Metals can react with water or steam to produce metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas (e.g., 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂).

                 Uses of Metals

1. Iron – used in construction and making machines.

2. Copper – used in electrical wires.

3. Aluminium – used in making cooking pots and airplane bodies.

4. Gold and Silver – used in jewelry and coins.

5. Zinc – used for coating iron (galvanization) to prevent rust.

6. Tin – used in making cans and for coating steel.