Importance Of Metals In Daily Life

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IMPORTANCE OF METALS IN DAILY LIFE Chemical Properties Metals Nonmetals • Usually have 1-3 electrons in their outer shell. • Lose their valence electrons easily. • Form oxides that are basic. • Are good reducing agents. • Have lower electro negativities. • Usually have 4-8 electrons in their outer shell. • Gain or share valence electrons easily. • Form oxides that are acidic. • Are good oxidizing agents. • Have higher electro negativities. Physical Properties Metals Nonmetals • Good electrical conductors and heat. • Malleable - can be beaten into thin sheets. • Ductile - can be stretched into wire. • Possess metallic luster. • Opaque as thin sheet. • Solid at room temperature (except Hg). • Poor conductors of heat and electricity. • Brittle - if a solid. • Non ductile. • Do not possess metallic luster. • Transparent as a thin sheet. • Solids, liquids or gases at room temperature. Metals are very useful. Ores are naturally occurring rocks that contain metal or metal compounds in sufficient amounts to make it worthwhile extracting them. For example, iron ore is used to make iron and steel. Copper is easily extracted, but ores rich in copper are becoming more difficult to find. Aluminum and titanium are metals with useful properties, but they are expensive to extract. Most everyday metals are mixtures called alloys. Metals are opaque, lustrous elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity. Most metals are malleable and ductile and are, in general, denser than the other elemental substances. Metals are used in: • Transportation -- Cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. • Aerospace -- Unmanned and manned rockets and the space shuttle. • Computers and other electronic devices that require conductors (TV, radio, stereo, calculators, security devices, etc.) • Communications including satellites that depend on a tough

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