22: d-Block Metal Chemistry - The Heavier Metals
- Page ID
- 29107
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Heavy metals are generally defined as metals with relatively high densities, atomic weights, or atomic numbers. The criteria used, and whether metalloids are included, vary depending on the author and context. In metallurgy, for example, a heavy metal may be defined on the basis of density, whereas in physics the distinguishing criterion might be atomic number, while a chemist would likely be more concerned with chemical behavior. More specific definitions have been published, but none of these have been widely accepted.