Metals
Physical Characteristics Luster- can reflect light Malleable- can be pounded into shapes Ductile- can be pulled into a wire Most are good conductors of electricity and heat Some are magnetic
Chemical Characteristics Reactivity- the ease and speed at which an element reacts Corrosion- process of reaction and wearing away
Alkali Metals Group 1 Most reactive metals Never found uncombined in nature Soft and shiny Potassium and Sodium are the 2 most important One valence electron
Alkaline Earth Metals Group 2 More reactive than most metals Never found uncombined in nature Hard, bright white Good conductor of electricity Magnesium and calcium 2 most common Two valence electrons
Transition Metals Group 3-12 Form a bridge between very reactive on left and less reactive on right Fairly stable- react slowly or not at all in air and water Good conductor of electricity
Metalloids Properties of metals and nonmetals Used in Semiconductors for computers Along the stair-step line