Science 9
Name: ______________________
Date: ________________
Class: ____________
Properties of Metals and Non-metals Lab
Objective:
 To distinguish between metals and non-metals
Background:
 Most elements can be grouped into two different categories – metals and
non-metals. The properties (characteristics) of metals are very different
than those of non-metals.
Materials:
 Carbon (charcoal)
 Aluminum foil
 Copper wire
 Sulphur
Extension (optional)
 Small light bulb
 2 Alligator clips
 D battery
Steps:
1. Obtain all materials from your teacher.
2. Make observations about each element.
3. Complete the table below.
Extension
4. Set up the alligator clips, battery, and light bulb according to the diagram
below.
5. Attach the other end of the alligator clips to the material being tested.
6. Record your observations on conductivity.
Sample of aluminium,
Science 9
Element
Name: ______________________
Date: ________________
Class: ____________
State of Matter
(solid/liquid/gas)
Malleability/Ductility
(can it be bent or
stretched?)
Lustre
(shiny
or dull)
Conductivity
(does it
conduct
electricity?)
Aluminum
Carbon
Copper
Sulphur
1. Which of the elements are metals? _________________________________
2. Which of the elements are non-metals?______________________________
[HINT: Use your coloured periodic table]
Science 9
Name: ______________________
Date: ________________
Class: ____________
Analysis
Based on your observations and what you know about these elements, fill in the
table below that summarizes the properties of metals and non-metals.
Metals
Non-Metals
State at room
temperature
(solid, liquid, or gas)
Lustre
(dull or shiny?)
Malleability and
ductility
(bendable or brittle?)
Conductivity
(ability to conduct heat
or electricity)
1. What do you notice about the properties of metals and non-metals?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Extension
2. Based on its location on the periodic table, what properties would you
expect sodium (Na) to have?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________