The periodic table Metals

Learn about the different properties of substances and how they are organised in the periodic table.

Part ofScienceProperties and uses of substances

Metals

Iron, magnesium and gold are examples of metal elements. Metals have properties in common. They are:

  • shiny, especially when they are freshly cut
  • good of heat and electricity
  • (they can be bent and shaped without breaking)

Most metals also have other properties in common. They are:

  • solid at room temperature, except mercury
  • hard and strong
  • they have a high
  • they are
Drops of liquid mercury on a hard surface
Image caption,
Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature

Three metals (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic. Steel is a mixture of elements but it is mostly iron, so it is also magnetic. The other metal elements are not magnetic.

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