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HEAVY METALS AND NOT SO HEAVY METALS

You have learned that all matter is composed of elements. The elements that make up matter, including acid precipitation, can be classified as either a metal or a non-metal. In this investigation, you will identify characteristics of metals and non-metals in order to help you gather evidence that can be used in your debate on acid precipitation regulations.

Objective:Students will materials as either metals or non-metal based upon their characteristics.

Materials

Print resources

Samples of metals and non-metals

Battery

Wire, 3

Lamp base

Lamp

Sandpaper

Procedure Activity 1: Examining Matter

  1. Examine samples provided by your teacher.
  2. Identify similarities and differences among the samples.
  3. Construct a T-Chart to classify your samples as either a metal or a non-metal. Be sure to include headings and the names of the sample in each category.
  1. Justify your classification of the samples provided. Support your ideas with prior knowledge.

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Activity 2: Properties of Metals and Non-metals

Each type of element, metals and non-metals, share a set of unique properties.

  1. Use the resources provided by your teacher to gather information about the properties of metals and non-metals and Complete Chart 1, “Element Properties” to record your information.

Chart 1: Element Properties

Element Type / Physical Properties / Chemical Properties
Metal / 87-88 / 88
Non-metal / 97 / 97
  1. Explain why metals like copper are used in electrical wiring rather than non-metals like carbon. Use information from the reading to support your response.

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Activity 3- Identification of Sample Materials

Now that you have identified the properties of metals and non-metals, you are ready to identify each of the samples provided by your teacher as either a metal or a non-metal.

  1. Construct a chart to record your data from the investigation
  1. Conduct the investigation.
  2. Complete Chart 2, “Identification of Samples” to identify each sample as either a metal or a non-metal. Chart 2: Identification of Samples

Sample / Identification
  1. Justify the identification of the samples using evidence from the investigation.

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Characteristics of an Unknown Element
Brittle; breaks apart easily
Poor conductor of electricity
Strong odor
Density is only 2.07 g/cm3

Analysis

  1. The characteristics of an unknown element are listed below. Identify the element as a metal or a nonmetal, based on the characteristics. Justify your answer using evidence from the investigation.

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Debate Diary

Acid precipitation plays a role in the corrosion of metal statues, cars, and railways. In some industrialized parts of Poland, trains cannot exceed 40 miles per hour because the iron railway tracks have been weakened from acidic air pollution.

Explain why metals are more likely to be impacted by acid precipitation rather than non-metals. Use information from the investigation to support your response.

Student Resource Sheet 1: Element Type Test Procedures

Test 1: Luster

  1. Observe each sample.
  2. Determine if the sample has a shiny or dull appearance.
  3. Record your observations in your data chart.

Test 2: Electrical Conductivity

  1. Set up a simple circuit as shown in Figure 1, “Simple Circuit”.
  2. Determine if the sample conducts electricity.
  3. Record your observations in your data chart.

Test 3: Malleability

  1. Try to gently bend or change the shape of each sample.
  2. Determine whether the sample can change shape (malleable) or breaks (brittle).
  3. Record your observations in your data chart.

Figure 1: Simple Circuit