| Common chemical properties of Metals |
| Atoms of metal elements have few electrons in the outermost shells. The atoms can therefore loose electrons while forming compounds. The metal atoms become electropositive in a reaction. For example, Na atom easily gives off its one electron in the M-shell to become Na+ or Fe atom gives off 2 or 3 electrons to become Fe2+ or Fe3+. The same can be said about Cu or Ni. Thus metals are electropositive. |
| All metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. A single metal can form various oxides depending on the valence state of the metal atom. For example Fe can form oxides FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, etc. Metal oxides are basic in nature; when dissolved in water they form alkaline solution. Metal oxide bonds are ionic bonds. Metal atoms lose electrons to oxygen atoms while forming the metal oxide. Not all metals react with oxygen at room temperature. Some metals need to be held at high temperatures before they start reacting with oxygen. |
| Sodium reacts with oxygen or air at ordinary room temperature. The resultant is sodium oxide. Sodium is a highly reactive metal and catches fire easily when exposed to air. |
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| Na2O when dissolved in water becomes NaOH or sodium hydroxide. Potassium (K) metal also shows similar behavior. |
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