An atom of a metal is a single, neutral particle that contains a nucleus made up of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the element and its chemical properties, while the number of electrons determines the atom's charge and reactivity. Metals typically have a few electrons in their outermost energy level, making them good conductors of electricity and heat.
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 30
An atom of a metal is characterized by the following properties:
1. Metallic Bonding: Metal atoms form metallic bonds, which involve the sharing of loosely held valence electrons in a "sea" of electrons.
2. Electrical Conductivity: Metals are excellent conductors of electricity due to the mobile valence electrons that can move freely throughout the metal lattice.
3. Thermal Conductivity: Metals are also good conductors of heat because the mobile valence electrons can carry heat energy efficiently.
4. Malleability and Ductility: Metal atoms can easily slide past each other, allowing metals to be hammered into thin sheets (malleable) and drawn into thin wires (ductile).
5. High Melting and Boiling Points: Metal atoms have relatively strong metallic bonds, resulting in high melting and boiling points.
6. Luster: Metals typically have a shiny appearance due to their ability to reflect light.
7. Low Ionization Energy: Metal atoms have low ionization energies, meaning that they can easily lose valence electrons to form positive ions (cations).
8. Reactivity: Metals vary in reactivity, with some being highly reactive (e.g., sodium, potassium) and others being relatively unreactive (e.g., gold, platinum).
Examples of common metal atoms include sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and gold (Au).