09 Jun What You Should Know About Metal

From the glimmering gold jewellery adorning ancient pharaohs, to the towering steel skyscrapers that define modern city skylines, metal has been an extraordinary force. It has been driving human ingenuity. This extraordinary material, found abundantly in the Earth’s crust, has been cherished by civilizations throughout history.

From the majestic structures of ancient civilizations to the modern technology of today, metal has always been at the forefront of innovation. With its resilience and conductivity, metal serves as the backbone of our modern world, powering industries, igniting imaginations, and forging a path towards a brighter future.

In this captivating journey through the captivating realm of metal, Chemistry Tuition provides a platform for students to ignite their imaginations, forge connections between theory and real-world applications, and lay a solid foundation for a brighter future. Join us as we embark on an exploration into the wonders of metals, uncovering tantalizing particles and expanding our knowledge of this remarkable field.

Metal is what?

Metal, the captivating superhero of the material world, possesses incredible strength, mesmerizing shine, and exceptional adaptability. Imagine a solid substance that can conduct electricity with ease, withstand intense heat, and be moulded into any desired shape. That’s metal!

Metal is a class of chemical elements characterized by their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and shiny appearance. Metals typically have high melting and boiling points and tend to form positive ions by losing electrons. The atoms in metals are closely packed together in a lattice structure, allowing for the movement of electrons, which contributes to their conductivity. Examples of metals include iron, gold, silver, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, copper, and many more.

What is Non-Metal?

While metals often steal the spotlight with their shiny appearances and impressive conductivity, non-metals deserve a moment in the spotlight too. They may not have the same lustrous charm, but they possess their own intriguing qualities. Non-metals are like the chameleons of the chemical world.

Non-metals are elements that lack the characteristics of metals. They generally have low melting and boiling points, poor electrical and thermal conductivity, and tend to form negative ions by gaining electrons. Non-metals can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous states and include elements such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen. They are often crucial components in organic compounds and play vital roles in biological systems.

The distinction between Metals and Non-metals:

The primary distinction between metals and non-metals lies in their physical and chemical properties. Here we list a few of these properties:

Physical Properties of Metal and Non-Metal:

Metal:

• Lustrous (shiny)
• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• Ductile (can be drawn into wires)
• Usually solid at room temperature (an exception is mercury)
• Opaque as a thin sheet (can’t see through metals)
• Metals are sonorous or make a bell-like sound when struck

Non-metal:

• Not lustrous (dull appearance)
• Poor conductors of heat and electricity
• Non ductile solids
• May be solids, liquids or gases at room temperature
• Transparent as a thin sheet
• Non-metals are not sonorous

Chemical Properties of Metal and Non-Metal:

Metal:

• Have 1-3 electrons in the outer shell of each metal atom and lose electrons readily
• Lose electrons easily
• Form oxides that are basic
• Have lower electronegativities
• Are good reducing agents

Non-metal:

• Usually have 4-8 electrons in their outer shell
• Readily gain or share valence electrons
• Form oxides that are acidic
• Have higher electronegativities
• Are good oxidizing agents

Types of Metal:

There are numerous types of metals, each with its unique properties and applications. Some common types of metals include iron, gold, silver, aluminium, magnesium, zinc, copper, brass, bronze, and tin etc. Let’s learn some facts about these metals:

Iron: Iron is a strong and abundant metal that is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. It is crucial for the production of steel, which is used in buildings, bridges, and machinery.

Gold: Known for its lustrous appearance and rarity, gold has been highly valued for centuries. It is primarily used in jewelry, art, and electronics due to its excellent conductivity.

Silver: Silver is another precious metal that has a beautiful shine and excellent electrical conductivity. It is used in jewelry, coins, mirrors, and even as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Aluminium: Aluminium is a lightweight metal with excellent corrosion resistance. It is extensively used in the aerospace industry, packaging, and construction due to its strength and versatility.

Magnesium: Magnesium is a lightweight metal known for its strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in the automotive and aerospace industries to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Zinc: Zinc is commonly used as a protective coating for iron and steel to prevent corrosion. It is also used in batteries, alloys, and as a nutrient in the human body.

Copper: Copper is a highly conductive metal used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various industrial applications. It has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity properties.

Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its golden appearance and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in musical instruments, decorative items, and plumbing fixtures.

Bronze: Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, prized for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It has been used for centuries in statues, sculptures, and architectural elements.

Tin: Tin is a versatile metal used in the production of tin cans, alloys, and as a coating for other metals to prevent corrosion.

Some interesting information about metal:

Did you know that metals have some mind-blowing properties that make them truly remarkable? Here’s a fascinating fact: Gold, one of the most coveted metals, is so malleable that a single ounce of it can be stretched into a wire measuring about 50 miles long! Just imagine that—a tiny piece of gold transformed into a wire that could wrap around the Earth’s equator multiple times!

But that’s not all. If you’re intrigued by these astonishing metal facts and want to uncover more intriguing information about the world of metals, there’s a fantastic opportunity waiting for you. Join our chemistry tuition in Singapore at Miracle Learning Centre, and embark on a fascinating journey to explore the secrets of metals. In our tuition classes, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry behind metals, discover their diverse applications, and unravel the mysteries behind their extraordinary properties.

At, Miracle Learning Centre we provide an engaging and informative learning experience, with our experienced tutors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. By joining our chemistry tuition, you’ll have the chance to expand your understanding of metals and their impact on various industries, from manufacturing and engineering to healthcare and technology.