(Name):____________________________ Group Number:________________

(Yr Sec- C.N).:_______________ (Date Performed): ______________

Activity 22
Types of Elements
I. Objectives
A. Investigate several properties of seven elements;
B. Classify the properties as physical or chemical;
B. Classify each element as metal, nonmetal, or metalloid; and
C. Practice safety in handling apparatuses and chemicals.

II. Materials
Seven elements (Unknown) Test tubes
Conductivity tester Test tube rack
Hammer Reagent bottle with dropper
1M HCl

III. Procedure
A. Record all observations for element A - G in the data table.
B. Test tubes with the seven unknown elements are provided for each group.

C. Appearance: Observe the appearance of each element, including physical

properties such as color, form, and luster.

D. Conductivity: Test the conductivity of each element by putting the terminals of

the electrical conductivity tester to either side of each element. If the light on the
tester goes on, that means an electric current is passing through both the light
bulb and the sample of the element. Note: It is important to make sure the part
of the apparatus touching the elements stays dry and is not contaminated
by any of the other elements it has been in contact with.

E. Crushing: Gently tap each element with your hammer. Each element is either
brittle (shatters when struck) or malleable (flattens in a thin sheet).
F. Reaction with acid: Place a small piece of the element in a test tube and add
15-20 drops of 1M HCl. Note: Be careful in handling HCl. It is corrosive!
Dispose of the test tube contents in the appropriate disposal container. Rinse the
test tubes three times each with running water and place them upside down in the
test tube rack to dry. Be sure to also wash your hands.
IV. Data

Element Appearance Conductivity Crushing Reaction

Color Form Luster with Acid
A

V. Analysis: Questions and Answers

A. Classify each property tested in this activity as either a physical property or a
chemical property.
Activity Physical or Chemical
Appearance
Conductivity
Crushing
Reaction with HCl

B. Group elements A – G into two groups based on similarities or differences in their

physical or chemical properties.

C. Which element (s) can be placed into either group?

 D. Using the following information, classify each element tested as a metal,
nonmetal, or metalloid.
1. Metals are generally solids that lustrous, malleable and good conductors
of heat and electricity.
2. Many metals react with acids.
3. Nonmetals are usually dull, brittle and nonconductors of heat and
electricity.
4. Metalloids have some properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Element Metal, Nonmetal, or Metalloid

A
B
C
D
E
F
G

VI. Conclusion
A. Differentiate physical from chemical properties.

B. Where are the metals, nonmetals and metalloids located in the periodic table?