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Science labs
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CONCEPT:
TEXTBOOK:
LAB 1
Metals and nonmetals
ST, EST, SE
Observation
Groups and periods of the periodic table
Chapter 1, page 30
GOAL
Classify different substances into two categories, metals and nonmetals, according to their
characteristics.
OBSERVATION CRITERIA
1. What observable characteristics can you use to distinguish a metal from a nonmetal?
2. Complete the table below with the characteristics you wrote in question 1 and the result you
expect (“yes” or “no”) for each characteristic, depending on the category (metals or
nonmetals).
solely for classroom use with Observatory.
© ERPI Reproduction and adaptation permitted
Characteristic
Metals
Nonmetals
MATERIALS
• strip of copper; granulated copper
• piece of emery paper
• electrical conductivity detector
• dropper bottle of acid
• test tubes
• test tube rack
• scoopula
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strip of nickel); granulated nickel
• piece of sulphur; sulfur powder
• strip of iron; iron filings
• rod of carbon (graphite); charcoal powder
• strip of zinc; granulated zinc
• strip of aluminum; granulated aluminum
• strip of tin; granulated tin
1
Science labs
LAB 1
Metals and nonmetals
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PROCEDURE
1. Rub the surface of the copper strip with the emery paper. Record any change in lustre.
2. Place the electrodes of the electrical conductivity detector in contact with the copper strip.
Observe and record whether the indicator light comes on.
3. Gently bend the copper strip. Record the result.
4. Place a few granules of copper metal into a test tube. Add a few drops of acid. Observe
whether a reaction takes place. Record the result.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 with all the other samples of matter.
11. Clean up and put away the materials.
OBSERVATIONS
Record your observations in the table below. Give your table a title.
Title:
Test characteristics
Substance
Copper
Sulphur
Iron
Zinc
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© ERPI Reproduction and adaptation permitted
Carbon
Aluminum
Tin
Nickel
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2
Science labs
LAB 1
Metals and nonmetals
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REFLECTING ON YOUR OBSERVATIONS
1. Have your observations helped you understand the difference between a metal and a
nonmetal? Explain your answer.
2. Which substances are metals? Explain your answer.
3. Which substances are nonmetals? Explain your answer.
solely for classroom use with Observatory.
© ERPI Reproduction and adaptation permitted
4. How could you improve the protocol for this lab?
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3
Science labs
LAB 1
Metals and nonmetals