Metals are chemical elements present in the Periodic Table. They have unique properties that differ from other substances: non-metals, gases, etc.
If it were possible to visualize the structure of a metal very clearly, we would see the crystalline lattices present in solid metals. These lattices are composed of cations surrounded by a thick layer of electrons. As is known, cation ions have a charge + and the electrons - .
In the atomic composition there is a valence layer, and electrons move freely through this layer, maintaining the electromagnetic attraction for cations. This property allows the formation of metal molecules and, consequently, of the metals themselves.
It is precisely this entire metal structure that grants it the ability to be an excellent conductor of electrical current. It is important to point out that metals conduct electricity in a solid or liquid state (molten metal). There is even a metal found in a liquid state in nature, which is mercury, whose atomic symbol is Hg.
As for the physical aspect of metals, what can be said is that, in general, they have a metallic aspect (shiny gray). Those that do not comply with this rule are gold (Au) and copper (Cu), which have a golden and reddish color, respectively.
So far we have only talked about metals in their pure state like: gold, copper, mercury. But in our daily lives we use much more what we call metallic bonds. But what exactly is an alloy of metals? They are materials with metallic properties that contain in their composition another element other than metal.
Metal alloys are preferred in the manufacture of some objects, as they have characteristics that pure metals do not have, such as the gold alloy used in jewelry. The characteristic of this alloy is to increase the hardness of the material, the gold alloy is composed of the bond between gold, silver and copper.
See more examples:
dental amalgam: alloy of mercury, silver and tin, is used in dental fillings;
Bronze: copper and tin alloy, used in the manufacture of bells, statues and coins;
Stainless steel: alloy of carbon, iron, chromium and nickel, through the connection between these metals it is possible to manufacture kitchen utensils such as cutlery and even car parts. This material has a special advantage: it does not rust.
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By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
See more! How is the metallic bond formed?
Polarity of connections
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Metallic Connection"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/ligacao-metalica.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
