The periodic table, a periodic table of the chemical elements, is a tabular display of the chemical elements, which are arranged by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Among the 118 known chemical elements, 80 of them are metals, making them the largest and most diverse class of substances in the periodic table.
Metals are characterized by their shiny appearance, malleability, and excellent conductivity of heat and electricity. They are also known for their strength, with many metals being used in construction and engineering applications. In this article, we will explore 20 examples of metals found in the periodic table, categorized for better understanding, beginning with the common metals.
Common Metals
Common metals, also known as everyday metals, are those that are found in abundance in Earth’s crust and are widely used in various industries. They are typically reactive and can corrode when exposed to air or moisture.
Among the common metals, iron, aluminum, and copper are the most abundant in the Earth’s crust. They are essential in our daily lives, used in everything from construction materials to electronics.
Iron (Fe)
Atomic Number: 26
Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, constituting about 5% of it. It’s crucial for various industries, such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Iron’s magnetic properties make it essential in the production of magnets, motors, and transformers.
Aluminum (Al)
Atomic Number: 13
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, making up about 8%. Its light weight and corrosion resistance make it ideal for various applications, such as aerospace, packaging, and household items. It’s also used in the production of aluminum alloys, which are stronger and more durable than pure aluminum.
Copper (Cu)
Atomic Number: 29
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it vital in electrical applications. It’s also used in various other industries, such as plumbing, roofing, and sculpture. Copper’s distinctive red color and durability make it a popular choice for decorative and artistic purposes.
Transition Metals
Transition metals are a diverse group of metals that share similar properties, such as the ability to form multiple oxidation states and have variable valency. They play a crucial role in various applications, from electronics and magnets to red and yellow dyes.
Many transition metals are found in the middle of the periodic table. Let’s explore a few examples.
Gold (Au)
Atomic Number: 79
Gold is a highly valued metal, known for its lustrous yellow hue and resistance to tarnish. It’s prized for use in jewelry, coinage, and electronics due to its excellent conductivity. Gold’s chemical symbol ‘Au’ comes from its Latin name ‘aurum,’ meaning ‘shining dawn.’
Platinum (Pt)
Atomic Number: 78
Platinum is a dense, malleable, and ductile metal with a lustrous white appearance. It’s highly valued for its durability, heat resistance, and catalytic properties. Platinum is used in various applications, including jewelry, automobile catalytic converters, and electrochemical electrodes in fuel cells.
Rare Earth Metals
Rare earth metals, also known as lanthanides, are a series of 17 chemically similar elements found in the periodic table’s lanthanide series. They are ‘rare’ not because they are scarce, but because they are difficult and costly to mine and refine.
Rare earth metals have unique physical and chemical properties that make them essential in various high-tech applications. Let’s look at a couple of examples.
Lanthanum (La)
Atomic Number: 57
Lanthanum is the first element in the lanthanide series. It’s a soft, malleable, and silvery-white metal. Lanthanum is used in various applications, such as magnets, electrical components, and multipliers in cameras.
Ytterbium (Yb)
Atomic Number: 70
Ytterbium is another rare earth metal, known for its use in infrared-light-emitting diodes and optical fibers. It’s also used in the creation of high-power laser systems due to its low lasing threshold.
The periodic table is a fascinating realm of chemical elements, with metals making up a significant portion. Each metal has its unique properties and uses, making them indispensable in our modern world. Whether it’s the common metals used in everyday items or the rare earth metals powering advanced technologies, metals play an irreplaceable role in our lives. As our understanding of the periodic table deepens, so too will our ability to harness the power of metals, paving the way for innovative solutions and groundbreaking discoveries.
