Chemistry
Chapter 6: The Periodic Table
Lab 6: Metals, Nonmetals, or Metalloids
Objective:
Students will be able to:
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Investigate several properties of seven elements
Identify each element as metal, nonmetal, or metalloid based on those properties.
Background:
The periodic table can be classified into metals, nonmetals and metalloids. The
characteristics of these groups vary greatly. Metals tend to be ductile, malleable, have a metallic
luster and are conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals tend to be nonlustrous, brittle and
poor conductors of heat and electricity. Ductile means that an element has the ability to be drawn
into a wire. Copper is used in wiring because it is both ductile and conductive. Malleable means
that an element has the ability to be hammered into thin sheets while luster means the element is
shiny. Silver and gold are both malleable and lustrous, excellent properties for using these
elements in jewelry. Metalloids share some characteristics of both metals and nonmetals. For
example, silicon has luster and looks like a metal but does not conduct heat or electricity like a
metal. Silicon is classified as a semi-conductor since it will conduct electricity better than a
nonmetal. The properties of silicon make it an excellent choice for use in electronic devices.
Materials:
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Elements
Conductivity tester,
Hammer,
Apron
Goggles
Gloves
1M HCl,
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Magnet
CuCl2
Graduated cylinder
Weigh boats
Balance
Well plates
Safety:
Handle all chemicals with care. HCl is highly corrosive if you get it on your skin you must
rinse with water for 15 minutes. Goggles and aprons must be worn at all times.
Chemistry
Pre-Lab Questions:
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List 6 properties of metals.
List 6 properties of nonmetals.
Define metalloid.
Sketch a periodic table and label where the metals, nonmetals and metalloids are located.
What is the formula for density?
Explain the procedure for finding the volume of an irregular solid.
Examine the periodic table.
a. What is the physical state of most metals?
b. Nonmetals?
c. Metalloids?
Procedure:
1. At each lab table a different element is located. You will perform the same tests and/or
observations at each station. Do not move onto the next station until directed by the
teacher.
2. Appearance: Observe and record the appearance of each element, including physical
properties such as color, luster, and form.
3. Conductivity: You will test the conductivity of each element. An element is either a
conductor or a nonconductor.
4. Crushing: Gently tap each element with your hammer. Each element is either brittle
(shatters when struck) or malleable (flattens in a thin sheet).
5. Reactivity with acid: Place a small piece of the element in a well plate, place 15-20 drops
of 1M HCl. Remember the indicators of a chemical reaction.
6. Density:
a. Find the mass of a large sample of element. Record the mass.
b. Find the volume of the whole sample you massed using water displacement.
Except for sulfur, determine volume using a dry graduated cylinder.
c. Calculate the density for the sample.
d. Clean up: after you find the volume for each element, pour the contents of the
graduated cylinder into a funnel sitting in the beaker (except for sulfur). The filter
paper in the funnel will filter out the water, and the sample will remain. Dry the
sample and put it back.
7. Observe and record your results in the Data Tables for each lab station.
Chemistry