Investigating the Properties of Metals and Nonmetals

Investigating the Properties of Metals and Nonmetals

Name______Period______Date______

Purpose: To determine some physical and chemical properties of metals and nonmetals.

To compare the properties of metals to nonmetals.

Materials:samples of elements

conductivity probe

petri dish with lid

sandpaper

apron

safety goggles

6.0 M HCl (in dropper bottles)

magnifying glass

Procedure:

1. Select a piece of one of the metals. Put it on the safety pad.

2. Using sandpaper, rub the metals to remove any coating.

3. Observe the physical properties of each element (color, luster, phase of matter at room temp) on Data table One

4. Test each sample for its ability to conduct an electric current with the conductivity probe.Touch both probes

to the sample (Do NOT allow the probes to touch each other.) If the sample conducts a current, the

conductivity probe will “beep”. (CAUTION: Handle the probes carefully as they break easily. If your probe is

not working, report it to your instructor.)

5. Attempt to bend each sample between your fingers. (CAUTION: some of the metal

samples have sharp edges. Avoid cutting your fingers.) This tests the malleability of the

samples. Record your results on Data table 2.

6. Arrange a small sample of each element around the edge of a petri dish. Ad 2-3 drops of

hydrochloric acid (HCl) to each sample. Look for evidence of a chemical change. Record

your results on Data table 2.

7. Your instructor may have additional elements to test. If so, repeat steps 1-5 on each sample.

Data and Observations: Make these data tables in your labbooks. (Make each table at least one page in size.)

Data Table One

ElementPhysical Properties observed

Data Table Two

Element Conductivity Malleability Reactivity Metal/Nonmetal/Metalloid?

(yes no ) (ease of bend - shatters) (activity in HCl)

Analysis and Postlab Questions/Answers:

Write the questions and answers to these postlab questions in your labbook:

Based on your results, classify each of the substances in the lab as metals, nonmetals or metalloids.
State the modern periodic law and explain how the results of your experiments support this law.
Based on results, where on the periodic table would you find the elements that are (general location):

A. metals B. nonmetals C. metalloids

Rank you metals from most to least chemically reactive.
List the general properties of

A. metals B. nonmetals

6. Complete this table: (Copy table in labbook):

Properties of Metals and Nonmetals

PropertyMetalNonmetal

Luster

(shiny/dull)

Malleability

(Flexible/brittle)

Conductivity

Phase of matter

(room temp)

Reactivity

With acid

(yes/no)

Gen. Location

On periodic

Table:

Ion formation

Conclusions: Write your conclusions based on the purpose. Follow the rubric for your conclusions.

Data and Observations: Data Table #1

ElementPhysical Properties observed

Data Table #2

Element Conductivity Malleability Reactivity Metal/Nonmetal?