An element with characteristic properties which are a consequence of its electronic structure. Metals constitute the largest set of elements and are generally shiny, malleable and ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. This structure is held together by the metallic bonds deriving from the electrostatic attraction between the positive ions and the delocalized electrons. When metals are bombarded by ultraviolet or X-radiation, they emit electrons.
Metals occur mainly on the left-hand side of the periodic table.
Group 1 contains the alkali metals, and Group 2 the alkaline earth metals. The transition metals , lanthanides, and actinides are all metallic elements. Although a few metals are found uncombined, most occur naturally as their oxides or sulphides. Many of these can be reduced to the metals by carbon, but for reactive metals electrolysis is needed. Metals react with non-metals to form ionic compounds in which the metal becomes positively charged.