1. Reactivity: Metals vary in their reactivity. Some metals like sodium and potassium are highly reactive and must be stored in oil to prevent contact with air, while others like gold and platinum are unreactive and do not corrode easily.

2. Corrosion: Most metals react with oxygen in the air to form metal oxides, a process known as corrosion. For example, iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust).

3. Acid-Base Reactions: Metals can react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas. The general equation is: Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen Gas. For example, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

4. Displacement Reactions: More reactive metals can displace less reactive metals from their compounds. This is known as a displacement reaction. For example, if zinc is added to a solution of copper sulfate, zinc will displace copper and form zinc sulfate.

5. Reaction with Water: Some metals, like sodium and potassium, react vigorously with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Other metals like iron react slowly with water and require steam to form metal oxides and hydrogen gas.

6. Reaction with Oxygen: Most metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. This is commonly known as oxidation. The reactivity varies, with some metals like magnesium burning brightly in oxygen, while others like silver do not readily react.

7. Reaction with Non-Metals: Metals can also react with non-metals to form compounds called metal non-metal compounds or ionic compounds. For example, sodium reacts with chlorine to form sodium chloride (table salt).

8. Alloy Formation: Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal. Alloys often have improved properties compared to pure metals. For example, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, which is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than pure iron.

9. Oxidation States: Metals can exist in different oxidation states, which are determined by the number of electrons they lose when they react. Common oxidation states for metals include +1, +2, and +3.

10. Uses: Metals have a wide range of applications in our daily lives. For example, copper is used in electrical wiring, aluminum is used in aircraft construction, and iron is used in the manufacturing of steel.

Let’s practice!