List of Metals

Most elements on the periodic table are metals. They are grouped together in the middle to the left-hand side of the periodic table. The metals consist of the alkali metals, alkaline earths, transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides. Elements that are not metals include the metalloids, nonmetals, halogens, and noble gases.

Here is a list of metals, their location on the periodic table, their properties, and uses.

Properties of Metals

The metals share several common properties, including:

• Metals are solid at room temperature (with the exception of mercury).
• Metals are shiny, with a metallic luster.
• With a few exceptions, most metals have a high melting point.
• Most are good conductors of heat.
• Most are good electrical conductors.
• They have low ionization energies.
• Metals have low electronegativities.
• They are malleable – able to be pounded into sheets.
• They are ductile – can be pulled into wires.
• Metals have high density values (exceptions: lithium, potassium, and sodium).
• Most metals corrode in air or seawater.
• Atoms of metals lose electrons in reactions. In other words, they form cations.

*Bonus Fact* Under certain conditions hydrogen can act as a metallic element. These conditions are typically found under extreme conditions such as high pressures or when frozen solid.

List of Metals

This is a list of metals in order of increasing atomic number.

Meet the Nonmetals

The nonmetals are another key element group. Here’s a list of them and their properties.

Location of Metals on the Periodic Table

Over 75% of the elements are metals, so they fill most of the periodic table. Metals are on the left side of the table. The two rows of elements below the main body of the table (the lanthanides and actinides) are metals.

Uses of Metals

Metals find use in every aspect of life. Here is a list of some of their uses:

• Structural components
• Containers
• Wires and electrical appliances
• Heat sinks
• Mirrors
• Coins
• Jewelry
• Weapons
• Nutrition (iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, molybdenum)

References

• Cox P. A. (1997). The Elements: Their Origin, Abundance and Distribution. Oxford University Press: Oxford. ISBN 978-0-19-855298-7.
• Emsley, J. (2003). Nature’s Building Blocks: An A–Z Guide to the Elements. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-850340-8.
• Sosa Torres, Martha; Kroneck, Peter M.H. (2021). Metals, Microbes and Minerals: The Biogeochemical Side of Life. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783110589771-001
• Strathern, P. (2000). Mendeleyev’s Dream: The Quest for the Elements. Hamish Hamilton Ltd. ISBN 978-0-241-14065-9.
• Street, A.; Alexander, W. (1998). Metals in the Service of Man (11th ed.). Penguin Books: London. ISBN 978-0-14-025776-2.