What is metal?

1987/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

This question can be considered crazy by several readers, as you can find an answer in any chemical textbook. Metal is a material that transports electricity and heat easily.

The definition of metal is not so clear. It is known that when all elements cool enough they behave like metals. On the other hand, drivers become suitable pressure and insulation conditions. In addition, in recent years organic compounds have been synthesized that can erode electric current, such as plastic polyethylene.

It seems legitimate, therefore, to give a more adequate definition of the metallic state. So have chemists John Emsley and Peter Edwards in the prestigious British science weekly New Scientist. These propose that it can be done by indicating the minimum number of atoms necessary for conductivity to occur in the definition of the metal. How many silver atoms are needed for silver to be conductive? Are 1500 enough? No, the electrons that will conduct electricity in 1500 silver atoms are too localized and it is impossible to circulate between different atoms. In the case of silver, conduction requires at least 10000 atoms, the least number of atoms needed to visualize the crystal structure of the metal.

The method can be suitable!