What are the general characteristics of a metal?

Answer 1

Common characteristics:

• Metallic luster (shine)
• Generally solids at room temperature
• Malleable
• Ductile
• Conduct heat and electricity
• Exist as extended planes of atoms
• Combine with other metals to form alloys which have metallic characteristics
• Form positive ions, e.g. Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+

Answer 2

Metals are typically shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity. They are solid at room temperature (except for Mercury) and have high melting and boiling points. Metals tend to form cations in chemical reactions.