Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
Background
Elements have unique physical and chemical properties, which make them useful for specific
purposes in our everyday world. All known elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, or
metalloids according to the substance’s specific physical and chemical properties. Physical
properties are properties that can be observed without changing the identity of a substance,
and chemical properties are properties that are observed while altering the identity of the
substance involved.
Metals and nonmetals are separated by the zigzag or stair-step line on the periodic table. Most
elements are classified as metals, which are located from the center to the left side of the
zigzag . Metals are elements that are usually silver-gray in color, with the exception of copper
and gold. All metals are solid at room temperature except mercury, which is a liquid. Metals
have a lustrous or shiny appearance and reflect light when polished. They can be bent or
hammered flat (malleable), can be drawn into wire (ductile), are good conductors of heat and
electricity, usually show reaction with acids, and generally have high melting points (many
above 800 degrees C).
Nonmetals are found to the right of the zigzag line on the periodic table. There are many fewer
nonmetals than metals. Nonmetals are usually dull in appearance and do not reflect light. Many
are brittle, and therefore cannot be hammered into sheets. Nonmetals are poor conductors of
electricity and heat, show little or no reaction with acids, and generally have low melting points.
At room temperature, nonmetals can exist as either solids or gases, with the exception of
bromine, which is a liquid.
Elements found along both sides of the zigzag line are called metalloids, with the exception of
aluminum. Metalloids are elements that show properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Metalloids are not good conductors of electricity; however, when mixed with small amounts of
other elements, the conductivity of metalloids increases.
Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
In this laboratory activity, a variety of physical and chemical properties of eight elements will be
investigated, including color, luster, form, malleability, reaction with hydrochloric acid solution,
reaction with cupric chloride solution, and electrical conductivity. The elements will then be
classified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids. It is important to note that although elements
can be categorized and generalizations can be made, each element has its own unique
properties. Thus there are many exceptions to the rules for classifying elements.
Materials
Elements, two small pieces (or a few crystals) of each:
Aluminum
Carbon
Copper
CuCl2, 0.1 M, 5 mL
Iodine
Magnesium
Silicon
Equipment
Beral-type pipets, 2
Hammer or other hard, solid object
Nail
Pencil or pen
Periodic table
Zinc
Sulfur
HCl, 1 M, 5 mL
Piece of white paper
Spatula or forceps
Test tubes, 8
Test tube rack
Conductivity apparatus
Safety Precautions
Perform this lab activity in a well-ventilated laboratory. Iodine is toxic by ingestion and
inhalation; it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract; avoid inhalation of iodine
vapors by keeping the iodine bottle covered throughout the lab. Hydrochloric acids solution is
corrosive to eyes and skin. Cupric chloride solution is toxic if ingested. Avoid contact of all
chemicals with eyes and all body tissues. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant
gloves, and a chemical-resistant apron. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before
leaving the laboratory.
Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
Procedure and Pre-Lab Preparation
1. Using a periodic table, determine the chemical symbol for each of the eight elements to
be tested in this laboratory. Fill in the chemical symbol for each element on the data
table.
2. Obtain one well plate. Place a small amount of each sample into the appropriate wells
in your well plate. (Note: Use only the tip of the scoopula for obtaining your sample. Do
not touch any of the elements with your hands.) See diagram below for sample
locations.
WELL PLATE:
aluminum
aluminum
carbon
carbon
copper
copper
sulfur
sulfur
silicon
silicon
magnesium
magnesium
zinc
zinc
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
(empty)
Part 1. Physical Properties
3. Observe and record the color of each element in the Data Table. Is the sample silver,
gray, colored, etc. …? Be very specific in recording observations.
4. Observe and record the luster of each element in the Data Table. Is the sample lustrous
and shiny, slightly shiny, dull?
5. Record any other physical properties that are observed about each element in the Data
Table. Be specific in your observations. What form is the sample in? Is the sample
crystalline, flaky, rough, smooth, flat and plate-like, rocky, in strips? Is there any odor or
are any vapors given off? (Note: Avoid breathing any vapors directly. Instead of smelling
a sample directly, waft the vapors from the sample toward your nose.)
6. COMPLETE ON THE CENTER LAB TABLE. YOU MAY SKIP THIS STEP AND GO BACK TO IT IF
THE CENTER TABLE HAS A LAB GROUP ALREADY THERE. Determine whether each
element is malleable or brittle. To do this, position a nail on the sample and gently tap
the nail with a hard, solid object. A material is malleable if it flattens or bends without
shattering. A sample is brittle if it shatters or cracks into pieces when struck. Record
your results in the Data Table.
Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
7. When a conductivity tester is available, use it to test the conductivity of the seven
samples. Touch both electrodes to the element being tested, being sure that the
electrodes are not touching each other. If the bulb lights dimly, the sample is a weak
electrical conductor. If the bulb fails to light, the material is a nonconductor of
electricity. Record your results in the Data Table. (Caution: Avoid touching the
electrodes with your hands—an electric shock may result.)
Part 2. Chemical Properties
8. Determine the reactivity with acid of each sample by adding one pipetful (about 2-3 mL)
of 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) to ONLY ONE WELL of each substance. (Note: Evidence for
a chemical reaction may be the formation of gas bubbles and/or discoloration on the
surface of the element. Some reactions may be slow to start—be patient.)
9. Observe each well for approximately 3-5 minutes and record results in the Data Table.
10. Determine the reactivity with cupric chloride solution of each sample by adding one
pipetful (about 2-3 mL) of 0.1 M cupric chloride solution (CuCl2) to the REMAINING WELL
for each substance.
11. Observe each well for approximately 3-5 minutes and record results in the Data Table.
Disposal
Pour the contents of your well plate into the waste container provided by your teacher. Use a
wash bottle to rinse any solid residue from the wells. Thoroughly wash well plate.
Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
Post-Lab Questions
1. Review the data gathered for the eight elements. Sort the eight elements into groups,
based on similarities and differences in their physical and chemical properties. From the
information provided in the background reading, classify each group as metals,
nonmetals, or metalloids. DO NOT USE YOUR PERIODIC TABLE. USE YOUR DATA.
Metals
Metalloids
Nonmetals
__
2. Are there any inconsistencies within the groups you made? Do any elements seem to
have properties of both groups? Which? Explain.
3. Look at the location on the periodic table of each of the eight elements tested in this
lab. How do the properties of these elements compare to their general position on the
periodic table? Make generalizations about the position of the metals, nonmetals, and
metalloids on the periodic table.
4. Predict the physical and chemical properties of the following elements which were not
tested in this lab—selenium, calcium, and cobalt.
5. Putting it all together: Complete the table below.
Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid? Lab
Metals
General Location on
Periodic Table
Luster
(Shininess)
Malleability
(Ability to be dented)
Conductivity
(Ability to conduct electricity)
Color
Nonmetals
Metalloids