How Many Of The Elements Are Metals

Let's explore the fascinating world of the periodic table to uncover just how many of the elements are metals. This involves understanding the defining characteristics of metals, where they reside on the periodic table, and how we differentiate them from nonmetals and metalloids.

Defining Metals: More Than Just Shiny

Metals are elements characterized by several key properties, making them distinct from other classes of elements. These properties arise from their unique atomic structure, specifically how their electrons are arranged and interact. Here are some of the most important characteristics that define a metal:

• Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of both heat and electricity. This is due to the presence of "free" or delocalized electrons, which can move easily through the metallic lattice. When a voltage is applied or heat is introduced, these electrons readily carry the energy.
• Luster: Metals typically have a shiny appearance, often described as a metallic luster. This occurs because the delocalized electrons readily absorb and re-emit photons of light across a wide range of frequencies.
• Malleability: Metals are malleable, meaning they can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. This is because the metallic bonds are non-directional, allowing atoms to slide past each other without disrupting the overall structure.
• Ductility: Metals are ductile, meaning they can be drawn into wires. Similar to malleability, this property arises from the non-directional nature of metallic bonds, allowing the metal to be deformed under tensile stress.
• Tensile Strength: Metals have a high tensile strength, meaning they can withstand significant pulling forces before breaking.
• Melting and Boiling Points: Most metals have relatively high melting and boiling points, reflecting the strength of the metallic bonds holding the atoms together.
• Reactivity: Metals can react with other substances, such as acids and oxygen. The degree of reactivity varies significantly depending on the specific metal. Some metals, like gold, are very unreactive, while others, like sodium, are highly reactive.
• Solid at Room Temperature: With the exception of mercury (Hg), metals are solid at room temperature (25°C).

It's important to note that not all metals exhibit all of these properties to the same degree. Some metals may be more brittle than others, or have lower melting points. However, the presence of several of these characteristics generally qualifies an element as a metal.

The Periodic Table: A Metallic Map

The periodic table is a chart that organizes the elements based on their atomic number (the number of protons in an atom's nucleus) and recurring chemical properties. It provides a visual representation of the elements and their relationships to one another, including their classification as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids.

On the periodic table, metals are primarily located on the left side and in the center. There's a "staircase" line that separates metals from nonmetals, with metalloids lying along this line. This staircase starts between Boron (B) and Aluminum (Al) and goes down to Polonium (Po) and Astatine (At).

Here's a general breakdown of where to find metals on the periodic table:

• Alkali Metals (Group 1): These are the elements in the first column of the periodic table (except for hydrogen, which is a nonmetal). Alkali metals are highly reactive and readily lose one electron to form positive ions. Examples include lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K).
• Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2): These are the elements in the second column of the periodic table. Alkaline earth metals are also reactive, but less so than alkali metals. They readily lose two electrons to form positive ions. Examples include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca).
• Transition Metals (Groups 3-12): These elements occupy the central block of the periodic table. Transition metals are known for their variable oxidation states and their ability to form colorful compounds. Examples include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and gold (Au).
• Lanthanides and Actinides: These two series of elements are located at the bottom of the periodic table. They are often referred to as "inner transition metals." Lanthanides have similar properties to lanthanum (La), while actinides have similar properties to actinium (Ac). Examples include uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu).
• Basic Metals: These metals are located in groups 13-16 and generally have properties that lie between transition metals and metalloids. This group includes Aluminum (Al), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb).

Counting the Metallic Elements: A Definite Number?

Determining the exact number of metallic elements can be slightly ambiguous due to the presence of metalloids, which exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. However, a reasonable estimate can be made by considering the generally accepted classifications of elements.

Out of the 118 currently recognized elements, approximately 91 are generally considered to be metals. This number includes all of the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, and basic metals.

A more detailed breakdown looks like this:

• Alkali Metals: 6 (excluding hydrogen)
• Alkaline Earth Metals: 6
• Transition Metals: 38 (including zinc, cadmium, and mercury)
• Lanthanides: 15
• Actinides: 15
• Basic Metals: 11 (Aluminum, Gallium, Indium, Tin, Thallium, Lead, Bismuth, Polonium, Livermorium, Flerovium, Moscovium)

This brings the grand total to 91 metals.

The Gray Area: Metalloids

Metalloids, also known as semi-metals, possess properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. These elements are located along the staircase line on the periodic table, separating metals from nonmetals.

The most commonly recognized metalloids are:

• Boron (B)
• Silicon (Si)
• Germanium (Ge)
• Arsenic (As)
• Antimony (Sb)
• Tellurium (Te)
• Polonium (Po)

Some sources may also include Astatine (At) as a metalloid, although its properties are not as well-defined due to its radioactivity and rarity.

Metalloids exhibit properties that can be altered depending on the conditions. For example, silicon is a semiconductor, meaning it can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not others. This property makes metalloids essential components in electronic devices.

The inclusion or exclusion of certain elements as metalloids can influence the exact count of metals. However, the figure of approximately 91 metals remains a widely accepted estimate.

Why Does This Matter? Applications of Metals

The abundance and unique properties of metals make them indispensable in a wide range of applications. Here are just a few examples:

• Construction: Metals like steel (an alloy of iron and carbon) are used extensively in construction for their strength and durability.
• Electronics: Copper is the primary metal used in electrical wiring due to its high conductivity. Gold and silver are used in electronic components due to their corrosion resistance and excellent conductivity.
• Transportation: Aluminum is widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its lightweight and high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Medicine: Titanium is used in medical implants because it is biocompatible and corrosion-resistant.
• Jewelry: Gold, silver, and platinum are valued for their beauty, rarity, and resistance to tarnishing.
• Energy: Uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power plants. Lithium is a key component in batteries used to power electric vehicles and other devices.

The diverse applications of metals highlight their importance in modern society and underscore the need to understand their properties and behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Are all shiny elements metals?

  No, not all shiny elements are metals. Some nonmetals, like iodine, can exhibit a metallic luster under certain conditions. However, metallic luster is a characteristic commonly associated with metals.

• Is hydrogen a metal?

  Hydrogen is a nonmetal, despite its location in Group 1 of the periodic table. Under extremely high pressure, such as those found in the cores of gas giant planets, hydrogen can exist in a metallic state.

• Why are metals good conductors of electricity?

  Metals are good conductors of electricity due to the presence of delocalized electrons, which can move freely through the metallic lattice, carrying electrical charge.

• What is the most abundant metal on Earth?

  Iron is the most abundant metal on Earth, making up a significant portion of the Earth's core.

• What is an alloy?

  An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys are created to enhance specific properties, such as strength, corrosion resistance, or hardness.

• Why are some metals more reactive than others?

  The reactivity of a metal depends on how easily it loses electrons to form positive ions. Metals with lower ionization energies tend to be more reactive.

• Are there any liquid metals besides mercury? Yes, Caesium (Cs), Gallium (Ga), and Rubidium (Rb) can be liquids at or near room temperature.

Conclusion: A World Built on Metals

In summary, approximately 91 of the 118 known elements are generally classified as metals. These elements are characterized by their high conductivity, luster, malleability, ductility, and other distinctive properties. Metals play a crucial role in countless applications, from construction and electronics to transportation and medicine.

Understanding the properties and behavior of metals is essential for advancing technology, developing new materials, and addressing the challenges facing modern society. The periodic table serves as a valuable tool for organizing and understanding the elements, including the many metals that shape our world. From the iron in our skyscrapers to the gold in our electronics, metals are fundamental building blocks of civilization.

The world of metals is constantly evolving as scientists discover new alloys and applications. Exploring the properties of metallic elements continues to be a fascinating and important area of scientific research. As our understanding of metals deepens, so too will our ability to harness their unique properties for the benefit of humanity.