Comparing metals and non-metals
In this topic you will:
- compare the properties of metals and non-metals
- investigate materials and decide if they are metals or non-metals.
Key Words
contact, distinguish, examine
Comparing metals and non-metals
Metals and non-metals have different properties.
| Metals | Non-metals |
|---|---|
|
|
Common Mistake
Don’t assume all shiny or hard materials are metals — plastic or ceramic objects may look similar but behave differently.
Questions
Show Answer
Metal: bucket, container, vehicle body, plates, cooking vessels
Non-metal: table, boxes, clothes, bags, plastic bowls
Show Answer
Non-metal
Show Answer
It is liquid at room temperature
Show Answer
1. Conduct heat
2. Conduct electricity
Think Like a Scientist
Investigation: Investigating Materials
In this activity, you will examine a selection of different materials and test their properties to determine whether they are metals or non-metals.
You will need: a variety of materials, electrical wires, lamp, battery (cell), crocodile clips
Steps:
1. Choose several items made from different materials.
2. For each item, answer the following questions:
- Is it shiny or dull?
- Does it make a ringing sound when tapped?
- Is it brittle?
- Can it be bent?
- Does it feel hot or cold to the touch?
- Does it conduct electricity?
3. To test electrical conductivity, build a simple circuit with a lamp, cell, and crocodile clips as shown in the diagram.
4. Test each material one by one by placing it between the clips and observing whether the bulb lights up.
5. Record your results in a table.
| Material | Shiny? | Rings? | Conducts electricity? | Metal or Non-metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paperclip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Metal |
Reflection Question
Show Answer
Metals are usually shiny, make a ringing sound, and conduct electricity. Non-metals are often dull, brittle, and do not conduct electricity. These traits helped classify each material.