Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ______________________ Period: _______
Metal vs. Nonmetal Lab
Pre-lab & Data Table
Completed:
Introduction:
Elements can be classified in several ways, according to the similarities and differences in their properties. Two major
classes of elements are metals and nonmetals. Metals are elements which are lustrous (shiny), malleable, and ductile (can
be formed into a wire). Metals are also good conductors of heat and electricity. Non-metals are elements that are brittle
solids or gases which function as insulators (they do not conduct electricity). Metalloids are substances that share some
characteristics of metals and some characteristics of non-metals.
In this lab, you will be testing and observing chemical and physical properties of unknown samples to determine if they
are metal or nonmetal. After this process, you will construct scientific explanations for the observations you make.
A scientific explanation has three parts:
1) Claim: a conclusion to a question or problem
2) Evidence: scientific data that supports the claim
3) Reasoning: a justification that links the evidence to the claim
Objective:
The purpose of this lab activity is to use the chemical and physical properties of a substance to determine whether the
material is a metal or a nonmetal.
During the lab process, you will:
1) Develop a driving question that will be answered through an investigation.
2) Carry out an investigation to test the physical and chemical properties of unknown elements with the goal of
classifying them as metals or nonmetals.
3) Create a claim that identifies which substances are metals and which are nonmetals, defend the claim with
evidence, and explain why the evidence supports the claim.
Materials:
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Goggles
Apron
8 unknown elements (labeled A through H)
Hydrochloric acid (1 M HCl)
Test tubes
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Test tube racks
Nail
Hard/Solid Object (wood)
Conductivity Tester
Question:
In the space below, develop the driving question for this lab. What are you trying to find out?
Pre-Lab Questions:
Pre-lab questions (#1-6) must be completed before the lab is done in class! Use your class notes to complete
them. You may also need to refer to previous units (such as classification of matter).
1. You will be looking at various physical and chemical properties of the unknown elements. Explain the difference
between a physical PROPERTY and a chemical PROPERTY.
2. Classify each of the properties below as a physical property (PP) or chemical property (CP).
a. Appearance: ____
d. Conductivity: ____
b. Malleability: _____
e. Reactivity with acid: ____
c. Brittleness: _____
3. Remember, chemical properties are observed during chemical reactions. What are the different signs (evidence) that a
chemical reaction is happening?
4. Referring back to class notes and everyday experiences, describe the properties of nonmetals and metals. You could
make a T-Chart to show the comparison of the properties.
5. Where can you find metals and nonmetals on the periodic table? Be specific.
6. Identify as many SAFETY PRECAUTIONS as you can. You should be able to write down at least 5 different
precautions.
Procedure:
1. Obtain goggles and apron.
2. Determine the appearance of each sample.
a. Describe the general appearance: What is the color? Is it lustrous (shiny) or dull? Any other observations?
b. In the data table, record the luster/color/physical description of each sample.
3. Determine whether each sample is malleable or brittle.
a. To do this, position a nail on the sample and gently tap the nail with a hard, solid object (such as a piece of
wood). The sample is malleable if it flattens or bends without shattering. The sample is brittle if it breaks or
cracks into pieces when struck.
b. In the data table, record whether the sample is malleable or brittle.
4. Determine whether each sample is a good conductor or a poor conductor.
a. To test the conductivity of the samples, touch both alligator clips to the element being tested.
b. Make sure that the clips are as far apart from each other as possible.
c. Turn dial to ohms (Ω).
d. The number that appears is the resistance of the substance to the electric current.
e. In the data table, record the resistance of the substance.
 For analysis: The higher the number, the more resistance the substance has to the electric current
flow. Therefore, the higher the number, the less conductive the substance is.
5. Determine the reactivity with acid of each sample.
a. Place each sample into a test tube (Make sure all are labeled A-H).
b. Add one pipet (about 2-3 mL) of 1 M hydrochloric acid to each test tube.
c. As you observe, keep in mind the different types of evidence for a chemical reaction (such as gas bubbles!).
Observe each test tube for 3-5 minutes. Some reactions may be slow to start – be patient.
d. In the data table, record the observations for each acid test.
6. Clean up lab station according to teacher’s instructions.
Data:
On the following page, you will create a data table. Considerations for the data table:
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Develop a ROUGH DRAFT data table on a separate sheet of paper. When you make your finalized table, you will
have a better idea for the spacing of the columns and rows.
Read the procedure. As you read the procedure, think about what data you will need to record.
Develop a title for your data table.
Use headings and subheadings to identify the information in the columns and rows. Don’t forget units if they
apply.
Be sure to leave enough space inside the columns and rows for the data.
Data Table:
Analysis and Conclusion:
Analyze the data that was collected in the lab. Develop a claim that states which substances (A through H) were metals
and which were nonmetals. In the evidence column, list the evidence that you used to determine the metals and the
nonmetals. In the reasoning column, explain how and why the evidence supports the claim.
Claim
Evidence
Reasoning
Post-Lab Questions:
1. Organize your conclusions in the chart below. Write the letter of the sample in the appropriate category.
Metals
Nonmetals
2. Were there any samples that you struggled to identify as a metal or a nonmetal? Do any elements seem to have
properties of both groups? Explain.
Once you find out the identity of the unknown samples, answer the following questions.
3. Which elements did you correctly classify?
4. Which elements did you incorrectly classify (if any)? Describe the evidence that led you to incorrectly classify
these elements.
5. What sources of error in the lab could have led to inaccuracies in your data?
The Data Table:
Element
Sample
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Appearance
(Color/Luster)
Malleable or
Brittle
Resistance (Ω)
Reactivity w/Acid
(HCl)