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Chapter Notes: Metallic Elements and Alloys

1. Physical Properties of Metals

• Structure: Metals have a regular lattice structure of positive metal ions surrounded by a
"sea" of delocalized electrons (metallic bonding).

• Key Properties:

o Malleability: Can be beaten or bent into shape due to layers of atoms sliding over
each other when force is applied.

o Ductility: Can be stretched into wires for the same reason.

o Thermal Conductivity: Good conductors of heat because vibrations from heated

o Electrical Conductivity: Good conductors of electricity due to free-moving

o Strength and Hardness: Generally strong and dense; resist shattering (not brittle).

o Sonorous: Produce a ringing sound when struck.

o Appearance: Typically grey (except gold and copper); can be polished to a shine.

• Comparison with Non-Metals (Table 14.1):

o Metals: High melting/boiling points (except mercury), solid at room temp (except
mercury), conductive, malleable/ductile, sonorous.

o Non-Metals: Lower melting/boiling points, often gases or brittle solids, poor

2. Chemical Properties of Metals

• Reactivity Varies: Depends on the metal’s position in the reactivity series (e.g., Group I alkali
metals are highly reactive, transition metals less so).

• Reactions with Common Reagents (Table 14.2):

o Air/Oxygen:

▪ Highly reactive metals (e.g., sodium) burn strongly to form oxides.

▪ Less reactive metals (e.g., iron) form oxides slowly (e.g., rust); unreactive
metals (e.g., gold) do not react.

o Water:

▪ Reactive metals (e.g., sodium, calcium) react with cold water to form
hydroxides and hydrogen.

▪ Less reactive metals (e.g., magnesium, zinc) react with steam to form oxides
and hydrogen.

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o Dilute Acids (e.g., HCl):

▪ Reactive metals (e.g., magnesium, zinc) produce metal chlorides and

▪ Unreactive metals (e.g., copper, silver, gold) do not react.

• Reactivity Trend: Decreases from sodium (highly reactive) to gold (unreactive). Aluminium’s
reactivity is masked by a protective oxide layer.

3. Uses of Metals

• Iron:

o Properties: Moderately reactive, soft in pure form, rusts easily, good heat conductor.

o Uses: Construction (e.g., bridges like Ironbridge), cooking utensils; improved by

• Aluminium:

o Properties: Light, strong, good electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistant due to

o Uses: Aircraft, power cables, food containers, window frames.

• Copper:

o Properties: High electrical conductivity, ductile, less reactive, forms verdigris (green
carbonate layer).

o Uses: Electrical wiring, water pipes, roofing.

• Zinc:

o Properties: Protective coating ability.

o Uses: Galvanizing iron/steel to prevent rust.

4. Alloys

• Definition: Mixtures of metals (or metals with non-metals) designed for specific purposes.

• Why Alloys?: Improve properties like strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, or lower
melting points compared to pure metals.

• Structure:

o Atoms of different sizes disrupt the regular lattice, preventing layers from sliding
easily, making alloys stronger but more brittle.

o Retain metallic properties (e.g., conductivity) due to delocalized electrons.

• Examples (Table 14.4):

o Brass: 70% copper, 30% zinc – harder than copper, used in musical instruments,
electrical connections.

o Bronze: 90% copper, 10% tin – harder than copper, used in statues, bells.

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o Mild Steel: 99.7% iron, 0.3% carbon – stronger than iron, used in car bodies.

o Stainless Steel: 74% iron, 18% chromium, 8% nickel – rust-resistant, used in cutlery,
surgical tools.

o Solder: 50% tin, 50% lead – low melting point, used in electrical connections.

5. Key Questions and Concepts for Mastery

• Distinguishing Metals vs. Non-Metals:

o Most telling properties: Conductivity (electrical/thermal), malleability/ductility,

o Structure link: Malleability from sliding layers; conductivity from delocalized

• Reactivity Patterns:

o Understand the reactivity series and predict reaction outcomes with air, water, and
acids.

• Alloy Design:

o Recognize how composition alters properties for specific uses (e.g., stainless steel’s
rust resistance from chromium/nickel).

• Exceptions:

o Non-metal conductors: Graphite (electricity), diamond (heat).

o Metal anomalies: Mercury (liquid), soft metals (e.g., sodium, potassium),

6. Practical Applications

• Historical Context: Iron in Industrial Revolution, bronze in ancient cultures.

• Modern Uses: Steel in bridges, aluminium in aircraft, copper in wiring – tied to properties
like strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

7. Reflection and Learning Tips

• Strategies: Use summary tables (e.g., properties, reactions), diagrams (e.g., lattice structure),
and practice balancing equations.

• Questions to Explore:

o Why does aluminium resist corrosion but react if the oxide layer is removed?

o How does alloying prevent rusting in stainless steel?

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Additional Notes for Exam Preparation

• Key Terms: Malleable, ductile, sonorous, alloy, stainless steel, brass, reactivity series.

• Equations to Memorize: Reactions with oxygen, water/steam, and acids for common metals
(e.g., Mg, Na, Fe, Zn).

• Tables to Review: 14.1 (properties), 14.2 (reactions), 14.3 (uses), 14.4 (alloys).

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