Contents
Key Stage 1
Meaning
Metal is a hard, smooth, shiny, bendy and opaque material.
About Metals
There are many different types of metal but they are all similar in their properties. Metals are used to make knives and forks because they are hard and smooth. Metals are used to make wires because they are bendy. Metal can be used to make hammers because it is hard and strong.
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A Metal is a a material that is a good conductor of electricity and a good conductor of thermal energy.
About Metals
- Metals are found on the left hand side of the Periodic Table
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| This Periodic Table shows the metal elements in blue. |
Properties of Metals
There are several key properties of metals you should know. Metals are:
- Good conductors of electricity
- Good conductors of thermal energy
- Shiny - They have reflective surfaces when polished.
- Malleable - They can be hammered into shape.
- Ductile - They can be stretched into wires.
- Sonorous - They make a ringing sound when they are hit.