Physical properties of metal
Physical properties of metal Metals and non-metals can be identified on the basis of their appearance and other physical properties like hardness, lustre, malleability, ductility, conductivity, etc. Let us discuss some of these physical properties here. Hardness Touch an iron rod and a plastic rod. Do you feel any difference? Metals (e.g., iron and aluminium) are generally hard, except for sodium and potassium which are soft and can be cut easily with a knife. Non-metals are generally soft. However, the hardest substance found in nature is a diamond, which is a form of carbon (a non-metal). Physical state Metals are generally solid with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature (20–25°C). Mercury is the shiny liquid in the thermometer. Non-metals could be solids, liquids, or gases. For example, carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus are solids at room temperature. Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are however g...