Properties of Metals

More than 3/4 of the hundred or so elements are metals. Many metals, either on their own or as alloys, have very useful properties.

Strong
They do not bend or break when forces are applied to them

 Hard
They do not dent or scratch easily

 Malleable
They can be bent or hammered into shape

 Ductile
They can be stretched into wire
Thermal Conductor
Heat energy can flow through them

 Electrical Conductor
Electricity can flow through them

 Attractive
They are shiny and look good

 Unreactive
They do not react with chemicals in the environment, e.g. oxygen and water