What physical properties do metals typically exhibit?

Metals are known for their distinctive physical properties, which include high melting points, high ductility, and high malleability.

High melting points suggest that metals have strong metallic bonds, meaning a significant amount of energy is required to break these bonds and transition the metal from a solid to a liquid state. This characteristic makes metals suitable for various high-temperature applications.

Ductility refers to a metal's ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking. This property is significant for metals like copper, which are used in electrical wiring. High malleability allows metals to be shaped into thin sheets or other forms without fracturing, making them versatile for manufacturing processes, such as rolling or hammering.

These properties are not only important for their use in everyday applications but also reflect the atomic structure of metals, which features a regular arrangement of atoms that allows for the movement of dislocations within the material when stress is applied. This explains why metals can undergo significant deformation without failing.

In contrast, low ductility and malleability, poor conductivity, and a translucent appearance are characteristics not typically associated with metals. Instead, these features are more relevant to non-metals or specific compounds.