Lab: Metal or Nonmetal?
Introduction:
The most fundamental sorting of the elements is achieved by deciding whether that element is a metal, a
nonmetal, or somewhere in between (a metalloid). How will you decide the classification of each element? Your
decision will be based on the physical and chemical properties of each element.
Careful observations of the elements today, will lead to correct classifications. This lab will help you continue to
develop your skills of careful observation in the chemistry lab. Your purpose in this lab is to classify each of 7
elements as a metal, nonmetal, or a metalloid.
Procedure:
There are a total of 7 element samples you will examine. Each lab table has one element sample on it.
You will travel around to all of the lab tables, performing the following steps at each table:
1. Observe the physical appearance of each element. Although all of the samples are solids at room temperature,
their appearances will vary. Is the sample shiny or dull? Powdery, crystalline, or a rigid solid?
2. We will next test the reactivity of each sample with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and aqueous copper(II) chloride.
First, add a small piece of each sample to the tests tubes labeled HCl and CuCl2. Use forceps in removing the
samples from the container – don’t touch the samples with your hands! Next, add 15 to 20 drops of each
solution to the appropriate test tube. Look carefully for any indication of chemical reaction. Decide which
elements reacted with the solutions, and record the results in your data table.
3. Dump the contents of the test tubes in the labeled waste container, and rinse out the test tubes in the sink for
the next group. No solids should be discarded into the sinks!
4. There will be class demonstrations of crushing the elements with a hammer, and electrical conductivity of the
elements. You will record the results of these demonstrations.
Data table: copy this into your lab book. Leave yourself lots of room to record appearance data!
appearance
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Rxn with
HCl
Rxn with
CuCl2
Hammer
test
Conductivity
test
Lab analysis:
Remember to answer in complete sentences!
1. We observed the properties of appearance, reaction with HCl and CuCl2, response to a hammer blow, and
electrical conductivity. Which of these properties are physical properties?
2. Now, we will address the purpose of this lab, by sorting the elements tested into three groups, metals,
nonmetals, or metalloids. Use the following information to sort the elements into these three groups:
a.
b.
c.
d.
metals have a luster (shine), are malleable, and conduct electricity.
many metals react with acid and copper(II) chloride solutions.
nonmetals are usually dull in appearance, are brittle, and do not conduct electricity.
metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals.
3. If a sample reacted with HCl, there was a similar observation for each reaction. Describe the similarity.
4. A student makes the argument that brittleness is a chemical property, since you alter the appearance of the
material as you smash it with a hammer.
Is this student right or wrong? Explain your answer.
Connection to the 21st Century skills:
Practical problem solvers synthesize and make connections
between information and arguments.