Metal is a term used to describe a class of Chemical elements that exhibit certain properties and characteristics. Metals are typically solid at room temperature (with the exception of mercury) and possess qualities such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and luster. They are known for their ability to conduct heat and electricity, as well as their capacity to be shaped and stretched without breaking. Metals have a crystalline structure, where atoms are arranged in a regular pattern, allowing for the efficient movement of electrons. This atomic structure contributes to their electrical conductivity. Metals also tend to have metallic bonds, which involve the sharing of electrons between atoms within the Metal lattice.

Most metals have a characteristic shine or luster on their surfaces. This property is a result of metals' ability to reflect light due to the presence of free electrons that interact with photons. Metals tend to have high densities, meaning they have a relatively high mass per unit volume. This property contributes to their strength and stability. With the exception of mercury, metals are typically solid at normal room temperatures. They exhibit a crystalline structure in their solid state. Metals can vary in their reactivity. Some metals, such as Gold and platinum, are highly unreactive or resistant to corrosion, while others, like iron and aluminum, are more prone to oxidation or corrosion in certain environments.

Metals are generally strong and durable materials. They can withstand heavy loads and have high tensile strength, making them suitable for structural applications. Metals have a wide range of applications due to their combination of properties. They are used in construction, manufacturing, transportation, electronics, energy generation, and many other industries. Examples of metals include iron, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, zinc, nickel, titanium, and many others. These elements are widely used in various industries and applications due to their desirable properties. Metals are utilized in construction, manufacturing, transportation, electronics, and numerous other fields for their strength, durability, and versatility.

Metals look shiny (they may be rusted, in which case they will shine again after polishing). When combined with other metals, they form a homogeneous mixture (solution) called an alloy. Metals tend to lose or share electrons when they react with other materials. Each metal has at least one basic oxide. Most metals are silvery, high-density, and relatively soft solids that deform easily. They have good electrical and thermal conductivity, fully packed structures, low ionization energy, and low electronegativity. These elements are found in nature in combination. 

Some metals appear colored (copper, cesium, gold), have low densities (e.g. beryllium and aluminum) and have very high melting points (e.g. tungsten and niobium), are liquid at or near room temperature (e.g. mercury and gallium), are brittle (e.g. bismuth and osmium), are not easily machined (e.g. titanium and rhenium), are noble (hardly oxidized, for example, gold and platinum), or have non-metallic structures (manganese). And gallium is structurally similar to white phosphorus and iodine, respectively). 

Metals make up most of the elements and can be divided into several groups. From left to right in the periodic table, these elements include highly reactive alkali metals, less reactive alkaline earth metals, and then radioactive lanthanides and actinides. Old transition metals (intermediate) and post-transition metals (intermediate) are physically and chemically weak. There are also specialized sub-disciplines such as refractory metals and precious metals.

Metals are excellent conductors of electricity. They have a large number of free electrons that can move easily through the metal lattice, allowing for the efficient flow of electrical currents. Also good conductors of heat and free movement of electrons enables the transfer of thermal energy through the metal, making it an effective material for heat conduction. It can be easily hammered, rolled, or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. This property is known as malleability and is a result of the metallic bonding and the ability of metal atoms to slide past each other under pressure. Metals can be drawn into thin wires without losing their structural integrity. This property is called ductility and is due to the ability of metal atoms to rearrange themselves under tension, allowing the metal to be stretched into a wire.

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