SCH3U
Lab Activity 1
Properties of Metals and Non-metals Lab Activity
Name:_____________________
Partner(s): _________________
Date completed:_____________
Date due:__________________
Date submitted:_____________
Introduction
Most chemical elements can be classed as either metals or non-metals. Although metals do not all have identical
properties, most metals have some properties in common. Similarly, most non-metals have some properties in
common. In this experiment, you will discover some of these properties by studying a typical metal, zinc, and a
typical non-metal, sulfur.
Purpose
Read the introduction and record the purpose for this lab in your lab notebook. Include the names of the elements
you will study.
Apparatus
two test tubes
graduated cylinder
tweezers
conductivity meter (teacher demo)
test tube holder
test tube rack
sand paper
Materials
mossy zinc
zinc strips
1.0 M hydrochloric acid
sulfur
(Caution:
)
Procedure
__1. Carefully read over the lab procedure from start to finish before beginning. Place a check mark in the space
provided as you complete each part of the procedure.
__2. Copy the title block onto a new page in your lab notebook.
__3. Review the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for zinc, sulphur and HCl and record the safety
precautions you will take for each material.
__4. Read the introduction and record the purpose for this lab in your lab notebook. Include the names of the
elements you will study.
__5. Use a ruler and copy the 3 data tables you will be using into your lab notebook. Pay close attention to your
titles and proper table design.
Table 1 – Observations of physical properties of S and Zn (include all 4 properties for both substances)
Table 2 – Observations of chemical properties of S and Zn (for both substances)
Table 3 – Mass and volume data for S and Zn
__6. TEACHER DEMONSTRATION: The teacher will place the electrodes of the conductivity apparatus on a
strip of zinc and then on a piece of sulphur. Record your observations in your data table.
__7. Attempt to polish a strip of zinc metal and a piece of sulphur with a small piece of fine sandpaper. Record
your results in your data table.
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SCH3U
Lab Activity 1
__8. Attempt to gently bend a strip of zinc metal. Attempt to bend a piece of sulfur. Record your observations.
__9. Find the melting points of sulphur and zinc on the Periodic Table. Watch a video clip of each element
being heated. Record your observations.
__10. Measure approximately 3 mL of 1 M hydrochloric acid into each of two test tubes. Place a piece of
sulphur the size of a match head in one test tube and a small piece of mossy zinc in the other. Record your
observations before, during and after the reaction.
__11. Considering significant digits, design a method to determine the density of both sulphur and zinc.
__12. Carry out the procedure you designed in step 11.
__13. Return all equipment to its proper location. Dispose of the chemicals as directed by your teacher. Finally,
wipe your lab bench with a paper towel and then return to your seat to work on completing the lab report.
__14. In your lab book, calculate the density of sulphur and zinc. Show the formula you used, carry all units and
keep significant digits in mind.
__15. Look up known density values for sulphur and zinc.
__16. Write your discussion in paragraph form. Reflect on the ‘Guiding Questions for Discussion’ before you
begin writing.
__17. Read the rubric carefully and check each box you have completed.
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SCH3U
Lab Activity 1
Properties of Metals and Non-metals Lab Activity Rubric
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Communication
Title Block
- appropriate title
- name and partner(s) name(s)
- date lab performed
- date lab due
Purpose
- appropriate purpose is given
- materials being tested are
mentioned
Data Table
- appropriate title at the top
- well organized and neat
- numbers are aligned
- units are in the headings only
- contains all relevant data
Organizes
information with
limited
effectiveness
Organizes
information with
some effectiveness
Organizes
information with
considerable
effectiveness
Organizes
information with a
high degree of
effectiveness
Purpose is
communicated with
limited
effectiveness
Purpose is
communicated with
some effectiveness
Purpose is
communicated with
considerable
effectiveness
Purpose is
communicated with
a high degree of
effectiveness
Organizes
information with
limited
effectiveness
Organizes
information with
some effectiveness
Organizes
information with
considerable
effectiveness
Organizes
information with a
high degree of
effectiveness
Observations are
communicated with
limited
effectiveness
Observations are
communicated with
some effectiveness
Observations are
communicated with
considerable
effectiveness
Observations are
communicated with
a high degree of
effectiveness
Overall Communication
-use of conventions,
vocabulary, terminology
Uses conventions,
vocabulary and
terminology with
limited
effectiveness
Uses conventions,
vocabulary and
terminology with
some effectiveness
Uses conventions,
vocabulary and
terminology with
considerable
effectiveness
Uses conventions,
vocabulary and
terminology with a
high degree of
effectiveness
Communication
/20
Inquiry
Experimental Technique
- accuracy of the results
- safety in the lab
Applies knowledge
of laboratory
technique and
safety with limited
effectiveness
Applies knowledge
of laboratory
technique and
safety with some
effectiveness
Calculates density
with some
effectiveness
Applies knowledge
of laboratory
technique and
safety with
considerable
effectiveness
Calculates density
with considerable
effectiveness
Applies knowledge
of laboratory
technique and
safety with a high
degree of
effectiveness
Calculates density
with a high degree
of effectiveness
Calculation of Density
- all units are carried
- correct formula is used
- significant digits are
considered
Discussion
- general properties of metals
and non-metals compared
-general properties of metals
and non-metals are explained
Calculates density
with limited
effectiveness
Few conclusions are
made on the basis
of evidence
Some conclusions
are made on the
basis of evidence
Most conclusions
are made on the
basis of evidence
All conclusions are
made on the basis
of evidence
Few conclusions are
explained
Some conclusions
are explained
Most conclusions
are explained
All conclusions are
explained
- density is compared to
known values and reasons for
discrepancies are discussed
Evaluates data with
limited
effectiveness
Evaluates data with
some effectiveness
Evaluates data with
considerable
effectiveness
Evaluates data with
a high degree of
effectiveness
Inquiry
/20
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SCH3U
Lab Activity 1
Table 1: Observations of physical properties of zinc and sulfur
Zinc
Sulfur
Conductivity
Lustre
Malleability
Melting
Point
Table 2: Observations of reactivity of zinc and sulfur with
hydrochloric acid
Zinc
Sulfur
Before
Reaction
During
Reaction
After
Reaction
Table 3: Mass, volume and density of zinc and sulfur
Zinc
Sulfur
Mass (g)
Volume of H2O
displaced
(mL)
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SCH3U
Lab Activity 1
Guiding Questions for Discussion
-
How does the electrical conductivity of sulfur compare with that of zinc? How do
you know?
How does the lustre of sulfur compare with that of zinc? Explain how you know.
How does the malleability of sulfur compare with that of zinc? Explain how you
know.
What can you say about the relative melting points of sulfur and of zinc? What is
your evidence for this?
How does the reactivity of sulfur with hydrochloric acid compare the reactivity of
zinc with hydrochloric acid?
Look up the known density values for S and Zn.
Compare your results for density with the known values.
Discuss reasons for any discrepancies.
Revised Feb 2012