Metals, NonMetals and Metalloids Physical Science Game

What is the difference between metals, metalloids and nonmetals? A metal is a substance that has high heat and electricity conductivity. A nonmetal is an opposite of metal. Nonmetals are substances with low conductivity of heat and electricity. So can you guess what metalloids are? Play this science game to learn the differences between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

What Makes Metals Special?
When defining a metal, it is important to understand its conductivity, ductility, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. All of these qualities are important for the construction of many metal objects. Read on to discover the characteristics of metals. This article focuses on copper as a good example. Copper is one of the most common metals. Its use in electronics is widespread. But what makes it different from other metals?
Conductivity
The conductivity of metals depends on their atomic structure. The elements with one electron are the best conductors, as they have low opposition to electrons, which makes them move easily. Copper, silver, and gold are among the metals with the highest conductivity. Copper has a smaller atomic radius than gold and platinum, but the latter two are not as good. For the reasons stated above, copper and silver are the most conductive metals.
Ductility
When a material is subjected to stress, it can deform and change shape by applying traction or compression. The longer a material can be held together, the higher its ductility. While all metals can be stressed, some are less ductile than others. This property is especially important for metals with thin walls, because they absorb energy from compression and deformation. Rhodium, a white metal, is one example of a ductile material, which is used in the production of stainless steel and other alloys.
Resistance to corrosion
Corrosion resistance is an important trait for many industries, from aerospace to the semiconductor industry. This trait is needed for certain components because of their extreme environments. Some metals are prone to corrosion because of their interactions with other materials. One such process is galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two materials exchange ions. In aerospace, corrosion resistance is critical to preserving the integrity of parts. Corrosion-resistant materials are used in both aircraft and ground vehicles.
Resistance to oxidation
Metals and alloys that exhibit good resistance to oxidation are useful for high-temperature applications. The level of oxidation resistance is dependent on the type of metal and alloy, and also on its composition. In general, chromium is the best material for high-temperature service, but other metals have positive effects as well. Here are some examples of alloys. Here, you will find the best combination of properties to maximize the resistance of the metal.
Resistance to fatigue
In addition to the fatigue strength of the metal, the surface finish of a material also affects its resistance to fatigue. For example, ferritic stainless steels are less fatigue-resistant than martensitic steels and austenitic stainless. Ferritics are also more prone to corrosion pits, which lower their fatigue lives. Stainless steels are a better choice for these corrosive environments, as they are more fatigue-resistant.