Define and identify physical characteristics (malleability, ductility, sonority, conductivity) that distinguish most metals from non-metals.
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Mid-page checkpoint on physical properties.
Introduction to malleability and lustre.
Have you ever seen a blacksmith beating a hot piece of iron? When struck with a hammer, objects like an iron nail or a piece of copper flatten into thin sheets. This property is called malleability.
On the other hand, materials like a piece of coal or wood break into pieces when struck. These are non-metals and are said to be brittle.
Visual comparing hammered metal vs hammered coal.
Metals flatten into sheets when beaten (malleable), whereas non-metals shatter into pieces (brittle).
Explanation of ductility and sonority.
Look at the electrical fittings in your house—you'll find wires made of copper or aluminium. The property of materials by which they can be drawn into wires is called ductility.
Gold is incredibly ductile; just one gram of it can be drawn into a wire 2 kilometres long! Similarly, thick ropes made of steel wires are strong enough to support heavy loads in suspension bridges.
Explanation of thermal and electrical conductivity.
Why are cooking vessels made of metals like copper or aluminium? Metals are good conductors of heat, meaning they transfer heat quickly to cook food.
However, their handles are made of wood or hard plastic. These materials are poor conductors of heat, allowing you to hold hot pans safely without burning your hands.
Diagram of a circuit testing material conductivity.
Good conductors like iron close the circuit and allow current to flow. Poor conductors like coal block the flow.
Fill-in-the-blanks covering the physical properties.
Metals are widely used around us because of their distinct physical properties. The property by which materials can be beaten into thin sheets without shattering is called .
Some metals are so flexible they can be drawn into wires, and is extremely ductile, with one gram making a 2-kilometer wire! While most metals are hard and solid, is uniquely found in a liquid state at room temperature.
In the kitchen, cooking vessels are made of metal to transfer heat rapidly. However, their handles are made of wood or plastic because these materials are conductors of heat.
Understanding these properties helps us choose the right material for everyday uses.