Within the periodic table there are some 90 elements that can be described as metals. They all have various characteristics in common ranging from bonding to chemical nature.

The metals are very different from the nonmetals and they are also a more unified group than the nonmetals, showing a greater similarity of properties within the group. Broadly speaking the metals are elements that conduct electricity, are malleable, and are ductile. Another group of elements--the metalloid or semi-metal elements--share some properties with the metals and some with the nonmetals. There are eight of these elements and they are semiconductors.

Metals are usually solids at standard temperature and pressure (STP). One exception to this is mercury, which is a liquid at STP. As is to be expected from the fact that most metals are solids at STP, the majority of metals also have melting and boiling points that are high. Metals...