Fundamental difference between metals and ceramics
Recently, I have decided to change the blog to more science oriented. I have started a podcast (link) where I have decided to share my understanding of various topics in science. I will try to post 3-4 posts a week on topics related to science. So, for this post let's discuss why certain solids are metals and some ceramics. Solids, in general, can be distinguished as metals, ceramics and polymer. I am keeping the focus on difference between metals and ceramics and not going to discuss polymers in this post.
If you checked my last post, matter exist in form of solid due "bonds" which keep atoms together in solid. I discussed three forms of bonds- metallic, covalent and ionic. Metals typically have metallic bonding, which is a delocalized bond where all the valence electrons are shared by each and every atoms. In contrast, covalent and ionic bonds are localized between neighborliness atoms. Atoms in ceramics typically are bound by covalent and ionic bonds. This is the key difference between metals and ceramics and is manifested in difference of properties in metals and ceramics.
In fact, classification of solids as metals and ceramics, in my opinion, is due to different properties. For example, metals conduct electricity whereas ceramics do not. Another example is mechanical properties, metals are ductile and do not crack easily (they can crack at very low temperatures) whereas ceramics are brittle and crack easily. And this distinction in properties is related to difference in bonding types found in metals and ceramics.
In next few posts, I intend to discuss some of the properties of metals and ceramics, and delve into more detailed explanation which again comes down to bonding type between atoms.
If you checked my last post, matter exist in form of solid due "bonds" which keep atoms together in solid. I discussed three forms of bonds- metallic, covalent and ionic. Metals typically have metallic bonding, which is a delocalized bond where all the valence electrons are shared by each and every atoms. In contrast, covalent and ionic bonds are localized between neighborliness atoms. Atoms in ceramics typically are bound by covalent and ionic bonds. This is the key difference between metals and ceramics and is manifested in difference of properties in metals and ceramics.
In fact, classification of solids as metals and ceramics, in my opinion, is due to different properties. For example, metals conduct electricity whereas ceramics do not. Another example is mechanical properties, metals are ductile and do not crack easily (they can crack at very low temperatures) whereas ceramics are brittle and crack easily. And this distinction in properties is related to difference in bonding types found in metals and ceramics.
In next few posts, I intend to discuss some of the properties of metals and ceramics, and delve into more detailed explanation which again comes down to bonding type between atoms.
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