Metal, Nonmetal, Metalloid Lab
Purpose: In this activity you will investigate properties of six elements in order to classify them as
metals, nonmetals, or metalloids.
Introduction: You will examine each for its physical properties of color, luster, and form (for
example, is it crystalline, like table salt?). You will attempt to crush each sample with a hammer. This
way you can decide whether each element in malleable (flattens without shattering when struck) or
brittle (shatter into pieces). You will also test for electrical conductivity, a physical property. Next,
you will observe difference among these elements’ chemical properties. You will find out whether
each element reacts with hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq). Prepare a data table in your lab book, leaving
plenty of space to record the properties of the six element samples.
Safety: Goggles and aprons must be worn. Review the steps to take if acid spills or gets onto your
skin or into your eyes. Record this information in your prelab. Do not return chemicals to the
containers. Follow waste disposal as instructed.
Procedure
Physical Properties
1. Appearance: Observe and record the appearance of each element. Include physical properties such
as color, luster, as well as form.
2. Crushing: Gently rap each element sample with a hammer. Decide whether the samples are
malleable or brittle.
3. Conductivity: Using the conductivity tester, test each sample. Touch both electrodes to the
sample, but don’t allow the electrodes to touch each other. If the bulb lights, the sample has
allowed electricity to flow through it. Such a material is called a conductor. If the bulb fails to
light, the material is a nonconductor. Record the level of conductivity using the key on the tester.
Chemical Properties
Test each sample for reactivity with acid as described below. The formation of gas bubbles indicates
that a chemical reaction has occurred. Also, a change in the appearance of any element sample
indicates a chemical reaction has taken place.
1. Acid Testing:
a. Label 6 test tubes (samples 1-6).
b. Place a sample of each element in its appropriate well in the test tube. The sample should
be a 1-cm length of wire or ribbon, or ~0.2-0.4 g of solid.
c. Add 5 drops of 1.0 M HCl solution to each well containing a sample.
d. Observe and record each result. Decide which elements reacted with the hydrochloric acid
and which did not.
e. Discard the test tube contents in the waste container, as instructed by your teacher.
2. CuCl2 Testing:
a. Label 6 test tubes (samples 1-6).
b. Place a sample of each element in its appropriate well in the test tube. The sample should
be a 1-cm length of wire or ribbon, or ~0.2-0.4 g of solid.
c. Add 5 drops of CuCl2 solution to each well containing a sample.
d. Observe and record each result. Decide which elements reacted with the copper chloride
and which did not.
e. Discard the test tube contents in the waste container, as instructed by your teacher.
Data Table
Element
Appearance
(color, luster,
state of matter)
Conductivity
Conductive/
semi/non
Malleability Result of
Crushing
- Malleable
- Brittle
Reaction with
Acid
yes/no
(0-5)
0-none
5 - vigorous
Reaction with
CuCl2
yes/no
(0-5)
0-none
5 - vigorous
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Questions
1. Sort the six coded elements into two groups, based on similarities in their physical and chemical
properties.
2. Which elements could fit into either group, based on certain properties.
3. Consider the following information. Then reclassify each element as a metal, nonmetal or
metalloid (semi-metal).
 Metals are elements that have a luster, are malleable, and conduct electricity (physical
properties.
 Many metals react with acids (chemical properties).
 Nonmetals are usually dull in appearance, brittle, and do not conduct electricity (physical
properties).
 Most nonmetals do not react with acids (chemical properties).
 Elements that have some properties of both metals and nonmetals are metalloids.