Metals and Alloys

Properties of Metals

Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Metals are shiny. Metals are ductile (can be

stretched into thin wires). Metals are malleable (can

be pounded into thin sheets).

A chemical property of metal is its reaction with water which results in corrosion.

Metals Test the different properties of metals

Below are some common metals, their properties and uses.

Metal Properties Uses

Aluminium LightweightResistant to corrosion

Window framesAircraftElectric cables

Copper Very good conductor of heat and electricityEasy to shape into pipes or wires

Water pipesElectrical wiresCooking utensilsCoins

Lead Absorbs harmful radiationHeavy

Screens for X-ray departmentsSinkers for fishing 

Alloys What would we do with out them

Alloys Alloys are formed when different metals are melted down and mixed together and then allowed to cool. The alloys produced may have different properties to the metals that they are composed of. Some common alloys are bronze, stainless steel, and solder.

Alloy Composition Properties

Uses

Bronze CopperTinZinc

Resistant to corrosionHarder and stronger than copper

Parts of ships decks and propellers

Stainless steel Iron, Chromium Nickel Very strong Very resistant to corrosion

Surgical equipment,CutlerySinks

Duralumin Aluminium, Copper, Manganese Magnesium

Very lightHarder than steel

AircraftRacing bikes

Make an Alloy In the fume cupboard make an alloy Read the instructions carefully so you

don’t get hurt.

Reactivity of metals Which metal is the most reactive .Order

the metals according to their reactivity.

What does it mean to be reactive? Elements that are reactive bond easily with

other elements to make compounds. Some elements are only found in nature

bonded with other elements. What makes an element reactive?

An incomplete valence electron shell. All atoms (except hydrogen) want to have 8

electrons in their very outermost energy level (This is called the rule of octet.)

Atoms bond until this level is complete. Atoms with few valence electrons lose them during bonding. Atoms with 6, 7, or 8 valence electrons gain electrons during bonding.

Metals Fish bone Summary In groups discuss and summaries what you

have learnt from your different activities on metal onto the fish bone diagram.

OR

An Oral presentation of what you have learnt about metals

Reflection Update your concept map with what you

learnt about Metals in today’s lesson.

In your workbook write down which activity you choose to do and why?