Speaking in terms of chemistry, a metal is an element that readily loses electrons to form positively charged ions known as cations. Metals can form ionic bonds with non-metallic elements.
In a block of a metallic element, the positively charged ions are arranged into a lattice and these are surrounded by a cloud of the delocalized electrons.
Metals are generally very good conductors of heat and electricity. These are lustrous and highly dense substances. Metals are also malleable.
Some examples of metals are:
Iron
Gold
Copper
Lead
Nickel
Chromium
Zinc
Metals may be combined with other substances to form alloys to give them better properties. Some alloys and their component elements are:
Steel (iron and carbon)
Bronze (copper and tin)
Brass (copper and zinc)
In a block of a metallic element, the positively charged ions are arranged into a lattice and these are surrounded by a cloud of the delocalized electrons.
Metals are generally very good conductors of heat and electricity. These are lustrous and highly dense substances. Metals are also malleable.
Some examples of metals are:
Iron
Gold
Copper
Lead
Nickel
Chromium
Zinc
Metals may be combined with other substances to form alloys to give them better properties. Some alloys and their component elements are:
Steel (iron and carbon)
Bronze (copper and tin)
Brass (copper and zinc)