Name: ________________________________________________Period: ______

Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid Lab

Learning Objective: Students will be able to utilize properties of metals, nonmetals,
and metalloids to determine the identity of unknowns.
Introduction:
In this activity you will investigate several properties of some elements and then decide
whether the element is a metal, non-metal, or metalloid. You will examine the reactivity
and conductivity of each element and attempt to crush it in a mortar and pestle. Finally,
you will determine the reactivity of each element with two solutions: hydrochloric acid,
HCl(aq), and copper (II) chloride, CuCl2(aq).
Procedure:
1. Appearance: Observe and record the appearance of each element. Include physical
properties such as color and luster (shiny or dull).
2. Crushing: Gently tap a sample of each element in a mortar and pestle. Based on
these observations, decide whether the element is malleable (it flattens without
shattering), or brittle (it shatters into pieces).
3. Conductivity: Add a small amount of the crushed (or not so crushed) sample to a
beaker of distilled water. Then place a conductivity tester. This will tell you if the sample
is a good conductor or a bad conductor.
4. Reactivity with acid:
Using a well dish or beaker, obtain a small sample of each element. The sample
should be very small! No chunks!
Add a couple of drops of 0.5M HCl to each sample. CAUTION: HCl can chemically
attack skin if left in contact for a period of time. If any acid accidentally spills on
you, rinse the spill site with cold running water for several minutes and notify your
teacher immediately.
Observe and record each result. The formation of gas bubbles indicate that a
chemical reaction has occurred. A change in color may also indicate a chemical
reaction. Decide which elements reacted with HCl and which did not.
Pour the contents of the well dish down the drain and rinse the sink with LOTS of
water!
Mr. Saucedo

1.

Chem

5. Reactivity with CuCl2:

Using a well dish or beaker, obtain a small sample of each element. The sample
should be very small! No chunks!
Add a couple of drops of 0.1M copper (II) chloride (CuCl2) to each sample well.
Observe each well for three to five minutes; reactions may be slow. Decide which
elements reacted with CuCl2 and which did not. Record each result
Malleable
Conductivit
Reactivity
Reactivity
Properties
Color
Luster
or Brittle?
y
with HCl
with CuCl2

Sample
1
Sample
2
Sample
3
Sample
4
Sample
5
Sample
6
Sample
7
Sample
Mr. Saucedo

2.

Chem

Conclusion:
List the samples you believe are metals:

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List the samples you believe are nonmetals:

_______________________________

List the samples you believe are metalloids:

_______________________________
Analysis Questions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Which do you think reacted with the CuCl 2, metals or nonmetals? Justify your answer
using data from your table.
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2. Which do you think reacted with the HCl, metals or nonmetals? Justify your answer using
data from your table.
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3. Why do you think it was important to use distilled water when checking for conductivity?
What would happen if we used tap water?
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Mr. Saucedo

3.

Chem

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4. Which samples displayed properties of metals? What were those properties?
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5. Which samples displayed properties of nonmetals?
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6. Did any of the samples display properties of both metals and nonmetals?
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7. Where are metals located on the periodic table? Where are nonmetals located? What
about metalloids? Draw a small sketch of the Periodic Table and label where you can find
each:
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Mr. Saucedo

4.

Chem

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8. If you were to create a new element, what would it be called? Would it be a metal,
nonmetal, or metalloid? Describe its properties.
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Mr. Saucedo

5.

Chem