3.5 Properties of Metal
Most elements in the periodic table are metals. All metals have similar properties; they are:Good conductors of heat
The big block of metals in the middle of the periodic table are known as the transition metals and are used in many everyday objects because of the properties listed above.
Different metals have different properties and their properties determine how they are best used. Here are three metals that you need to learn a little bit about:
When choosing what metal to use, you need to decide on the properties that you need and which metals/ alloys give you those properties.
- Good conductors of electricity
- Are strong and able to be bent/ moulded into different shapes
The big block of metals in the middle of the periodic table are known as the transition metals and are used in many everyday objects because of the properties listed above.
Different metals have different properties and their properties determine how they are best used. Here are three metals that you need to learn a little bit about:
- Copper is used for electrical wiring and plumbing because of its ability to conduct electricity, can be bent but is hard enough to create tanks and because it does not react with water.
- Aluminium is low density (light weight) and corrosion-resistant. Aluminium is mixed with other elements to create an alloy because it is not particularly strong by its self. Aluminium alloys are used in aircrafts because of this reason.
- Titanium is also low density (light weight) and corrosion resistant. Unlike aluminium it is very strong. It is used in ships and joint replacements in the body (e.g. hip replacements).
When choosing what metal to use, you need to decide on the properties that you need and which metals/ alloys give you those properties.