Physical Properties of Elements

Physical Properties of Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids

• Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
• Malleability: metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets, exemplified by aluminum foil.
• Conductivity: This includes thermal conductivity (heat transfer) and electrical conductivity (electricity transfer).
• Density: Represents the compactness of particles in an object, with examples like a ping pong ball being less dense than a golf ball.
• Luster: Metals exhibit a shiny or metallic appearance, while non-metals typically have a dull appearance.

Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids in the Periodic Table

• Metals: Located predominantly on the left side of the periodic table; most elements are classified as metals.
• Properties of Metals: Characterized by brightness (metallic luster), malleability, ductility, high density, high melting points, and good heat and electricity conductors.
• Non-metals: Positioned on the far right of the periodic table, beyond the stair-step line that segregates metals from non-metals.
• Properties of Non-metals: Tend to appear dull, lack malleability and ductility, have lower densities and melting points, and are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
• Metalloids: Found along the diagonal line on the right half of the periodic table, displaying mixed properties of both metals and non-metals.

Physical Measurements and Calculations

• Density Formula: Calculated as density = mass / volume.
• Density Example (10 g, 5 mL): Results in density of 2 g/mL; object will sink in water (density 1 g/mL).
• Density Example (10 g, 20 mL): Yields density of 0.5 g/mL; object will float in water.
• Cube Density Calculation: A cube with 2 cm sides and 4 g results in density of 0.5 g/cm³; it will float in water.

Minerals and Their Properties

• Mineral Streak: The color of the powdered residue left when a mineral is rubbed against a streak plate, aiding in mineral identification. For instance, gold produces a golden streak, pyrite yields a black streak.
• Hardness of a Mineral: Measured using Moh's hardness scale, from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest); a mineral can scratch another with a lower number. Testing hardness can involve using a fingernail, a penny, or a metal nail.
• Mass: The amount of matter present in an object, typically measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).
• Volume: Refers to the space occupied by an object, measured in mL or cubic centimeters (cm³). Volume of a cube is calculated as length × width × height.
• Water Displacement Method: Used to determine the volume of irregular objects; involves measuring the rise in water level in a graduated cylinder when the object is submerged.

Explore the physical properties of metals, non-metals, and metalloids. This quiz will test your knowledge on ductility, malleability, conductivity, density, and luster, along with their locations in the periodic table. Understand how these properties differentiate the elements in chemistry.