Up to this point we have concentrated mainly on fundamental principles: theories of chemical bonding, intermolecular
forces.rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, equilibrium, the laws of thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Familiarity with these topics is necessary for an understanding fo the properties fo the elements and their compounds.
We have seen that elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids. In this chapter will study the methods for extracting, refining, and purifying metals and examine the properties of metals that belong to the representative elements.
We will emphasize (1) the occurrencs and preparation of metals, (2) the physical and chemical properties of some of their
compounds, and (3) their uses in modern society and their roles in biological systems.