Test Your Metal
Purpose:
To understand the different characteristics of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids
and be able to identify them.
Materials for each group:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Seven vials with caps, filled with the following:
Vial A-1 - Iron filings
Vial B-2 - Sulfur
Vial C-3 - Mossy zinc
Vial D-4 - Graphite – pencil lead
Vial E-5 - Silicon
Vial F-6 - Mossy tin
Vial G-7 – Charcoal
One Nail
One dropper bottle with 1M HCl
A hammer
Eight pieces of computer paper – approx.
Conductivity apparatus
Please be careful with the bulbs. Before you let me know your bulb doesn’t
work, please trouble shoot the apparatus for any apparent problems.
One test tube holder with 7 test tubes
Goggles
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Put on your goggles and keep them on during the entire lab.
Take 1 sheet of paper and fold it in half. Place on top of the table
Open Vial A and shake a little – a pea shaped amount or less – onto the paper.
If you use the whole amount you will get a “0” for your lab grade.
For the nail:
In addition to using the iron filings, also test the nail that you have been
given. Only test the nail for color, luster, conductivity. Remember - the nail
is iron in a different physical form.
For all samples:
Do all tests in order that they appear on the data chart. Save the acid
test for last. Test all 7 samples for acid test at the same time.
6.
7.
8.
9.
For Appearance and Luster - Make observations on your data chart.
Place a second piece of paper over the first piece of paper and crush the
sample with the hammer.
For Malleability - Strike hard with a hammer 4-5 times and make
observations on your data chart.
For the conductivity test, take a sample bit of powder or one lump of sample
out of the vial and place on a piece of paper. For Vial A, set up the
conductivity apparatus by placing the ends of the wires not attached to the
power source or light bulb onto the substance in Vial A. DO NOT LET THE
WIRES TOUCH EACH OTHER – the battery will run down.
10. For Conductivity - Make observations on your data chart.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
For Acid Test:
After performing the other tests on the sample, you should have some of
the sample on a piece of computer paper. Pour the sample into the correct
test tube. Perform this test on all the samples at the same time at the end
of your sample testing.
Add 15 drops of 1M HCl.
Wait at least 3 minutes before observing and recording in your data chart
for reaction with acid.
Repeat these steps with vials #B-G.
Classify each substance in the vials as metal, nonmetal, metalloid.
Clean-Up:
 Return the conductivity apparatus and the Table Basket to the Demo Table.
 Take the test tubes to the sink and wash them out with hot water and soap.
Place them upside-down on the test tube rack to drain. Place this on the
Demo Table when you have finished cleaning the test tubes out.
Data Chart:
Complete the data chart provided.
Be thorough and detailed in your observations. Make your writing legible.
Analysis:
Write an analysis that proves the characteristics of metals, nonmetals, and
metalloids using the data you collected in the lab