Metal — Science definition
An element that is typically shiny, malleable, and a good conductor; metals fill the left and center of the table.
Where it is taught
- The Periodic Table — Atoms, Electrons & Periodicity, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
Helium is an important exception to a simple group-number count, and transition-metal groups require a more detailed treatment of s and d electrons.
The Periodic Table
Questions using metal
Problem 1
Why cannot every transition-metal behavior be predicted by the simple main-group valence rule?
Hints
State what the supplied observations or conditions establish, and separate that from any assumption.
Answer and explanation
d-electron involvement and variable oxidation states complicate those patterns.