Properties of Metals » Physical Properties of Metals

Density

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:42:50 +0000

Density is a physical and mechanical properties of metals which is defined as mass per unit volume.

Metals have higher density than non metals, this is because of the tightly packed crystals in the metal structure. Metal Density is a very important factor in structures, vehicles or machines as it requires balance, right weight etc.

Elasticity

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:02:21 +0000

Elasticity is a Physical and Mechanical Property of metals to be able to return to its original shape after it has been deformed.

The amount of deformation is measured and is called strain. Every metal has an elastic limit, in which if it is exceeded then it would become a permanent deformity and cannot return to its original shape.

Ductility

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:45:41 +0000

Ductility is a physical and mechanical property of metals that allows the metal to be deformed, drawn, bent or twisted into different shapes without fracture or breaking.

It is opposite to Brittleness and is somehow similar to malleability. Ductile metals are vital in creating wire or tubing because of its ease in forming while remaining in tact. Examples of Ductile metals are:

Platinum
Tungsten
Copper
Steel
etc.

Malleability

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:29:17 +0000

Malleability is a physical and mechanical property of metals, which is the material’s ability to deform under stress without breaking or cracking.

Malleable metals are formed into thin sheets thru hammering, rolling or pressing. These sheets of metals are then used to form shapes for structural, vehicular or mechanical needs. Examples of Malleable metals are:

Copper
Gold
Magnesium
etc.

Ductility

Heat Conductor

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:32:38 +0000

Heat Transfer or Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy because of temperature gradient between neighboring molecules.

Metals are known to be able to conduct heat and take it from a high temperature place to a lower temperature. A combination of vibrations of molecules as well as the free electrons makes the heat transfer.

Electric Conductor

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:35:06 +0000

Because of the free electrons that are present in the metals, it becomes a good electrical conductor. This is why this is one of the Properties of metals:

There are two effects that scientists have discovered:

Peltier effect

When an electric current passes through a junction of 2 different metals, Heat is evolved at the upper junction and absorbed at the lower junction. One such product is a Peltier Cooler or heater / thermoelectric heat pump, which transfers heat from a side to another.

Thomson effect

The other is an effect discovered by William Thomson, which describes a electric current is produced in the conductor with a temperature gradient which heats or cools. The reason for this was that the temperature difference between the 2 points will absorb or emit heat.

Metal Shines when Polished

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:13:26 +0000

Metals shine because of its properties which is metallic bonding, that gives it a lustrous effect.

The contribution of electrons to the metal‘s crystal structure gives it a shiny effect when it is polished. It also has something to do with it reflecting electro-magnetic waves which gives it a white or silver / white color.

Electric Conductor