1. A reminder of solid state physics

1.1 Metal properties

Mendeleev's table lists the chemical elements, which are classified into metals and non-metals. Metals are located in the left and middle parts of the table. Period Ia contains the alkali metals, period IIa the alkaline earths, while periods IIIb, IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb, VIII, Ib, IIb contain the transition elements, all of which are metallic. Period VIIa contains the halogens and period 0 the rare gases. According to IUPAC (International Union of Physics and Chemistry) rules, metals are located in period Ia, with the exception of hydrogen, in periods IIa to IVa, and in the triangle formed by aluminum, thallium and polonium.

Metallic character is essentially manifested in a number of properties that differ from those of the non-metallic state:...