# Metal

An element that is usually shiny, hard, strong and a good conductor of heat and electricity. Metals sit on the left and centre of the periodic table.

Chemistry (school) · Part 02: The periodic table · Card 4 of 9 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Metals are like crowds that happily hand over their outer electrons.

## In practice

Copper is used in electric wires because it conducts well and can be bent into shape.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Name two properties of typical metals.** They conduct electricity and heat, and they are strong and shiny.

## Questions people ask

### Why do metals conduct electricity?

A metal holds its atoms in a structure where outer electrons move freely. These loose electrons carry charge through the metal when a voltage is applied. They also carry heat energy quickly, which is why metal pans warm fast. Non-metals generally have no free electrons.

### Are all metals hard and solid?

Not all. Mercury is a liquid at room temperature. Sodium and potassium are soft enough to cut with a knife. Most metals are hard, strong and have high melting points, but group 1 metals are soft and melt at low temperatures compared with iron.

## Related concepts

- [Metallic bonding](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/chemistry-school/chemistry-school-part-3/chemistry-school-part-3-concept-4)
- [Alloy](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/chemistry-school/chemistry-school-part-3/chemistry-school-part-3-concept-9)

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