Some properties of matter can be easily observed by using senses; these are called physical properties. Other properties are not as easily observed. Chemical properties are properties of matter that require altering the substance before they can be observed. Properties of matter can be used to identify elements as metals, nonmetals and metalloids.

In this lesson, you will use physical properties to classify elements as metals, nonmetals and metalloids. State of matter, luster, conductivity, and malleability are the physical properties you will use to classify the elements.

The descriptions below describe physical properties of matter. Read each description and then brainstorm how you could safely test each property. Note your ideas using your own paper.

Physical State

Whether an element is a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature indicates if the element is a metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Brainstorm and describe a procedure to test this property.

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Check Your Answer

1. Observe the elements at room temperature.
2. Note if the element is a solid, liquid or gas.

Malleable or Brittle

Matter that can be pounded or rolled into flat sheets without shattering is said to be malleable. Matter that shatters and breaks into pieces when pounded is brittle.

Brainstorm and describe a procedure to test this property.

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Check Your Answer

1. Wearing safety goggles use a hammer and pound the unknown element.
2. If the sample does not shatter or break then it is malleable. If it shatter or breaks into pieces, then it is considered brittle.

Electrical Conductor or Insulator

Electricity must have a closed path before it can travel from a battery through a light and then back. Matter that allows electricity to flow through it easily is called a conductor. Insulators do not allow the electricity to pass through easily.

Brainstorm and describe a procedure to test this property.

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Check Your Answer

1. Wearing safety goggles, set up an electrical circuit, with a bulb, bulb holder, battery, and two wires.
2. Place each material between the wires and press on the light to connect the circuit.
3. If the bulb lights, then the sample is a conductor, if the bulb does not light, then the sample is an insulator.

4. A multimeter can also be used instead of the electrical circuit and light bulb. If the needle moves the sample is a conductor, if the needle does not move, the sample is an insulator.

Luster (Shiny or Dull)

The way matter reflects light from its surface is called luster. Matter that reflects a large amount of light is called shiny. Matter with a dull luster reflects little light from its surface.

Brainstorm and describe a procedure to test this property.

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Check Your Answer

1. Hold the sample up to the light and determine if it is reflecting light.
2. If the material reflects light, it is considered shiny. If the sample does not reflect a lot of light, it is considered dull.