Chemistry
Mr. Fedell
Unit B - Group Assignment: Metal Application, History, and Properties
Names of group members: __________________________________________________
Introduction:
This unit focuses primarily on metals properties, uses, their extraction and history of
their use. For the next two days you will be researching a metal assigned to you and will
answer the following questions as you gather information. Answer the following questions
on this file and save as: e-mail the file to dfedell@cbsd.org subject heading: #chem
Properties:
1. Can this metal be hammered into sheets? Is it typically used to make wires?
2. Is this metal used in electronics?
3. What is the appearance? (How would I know I’m looking at _________?)
4. Does this metal corrode or rust?
5. Does this metal react with acid?
6. Is this metal mixed with other elements to form alloys? If so, which other
elements.
7. Choose one element added to make an alloy of this metal and identify which
property is “improved” by creating this alloy?
Applications:
1. List 10 common applications of this metal.
2. Of these applications, pick and research one and the following questions:
a. Describe the specific role this metal plays in the application
b. Describe what properties this metal contains that make it ideal for this
application
History of Application:
1. When was the metal first purified? (example: purification of copper is estimated
to have occurred ~9000 years ago)
Chemistry
Mr. Fedell
2. When was your metal first used in a specific application? (example: copper
artifacts dating back to 5000 years have been found in Israel)
Recovery, Extraction, and Abundance:
1. How abundant is your metal? (% abundance on earth)
2. Which countries produce this metal?
3. How does the production of your metal compare to its demand? (Is there a
shortage of this metal? Is there even a demand for it?)
4. What are three methods of extracting this metal from its source? (How do they
get it out of the ground, and purify it?
Research Links! Find your metal and look at all the information!
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/
If you see a link to this website in your search it is great! www.chemguide.co.uk