1. Physical Properties of Metals, Non-Metals, and Metalloids

2. Physical Properties Definition: Properties that can be observed without making any chemical changes to the substance. Determined by the atomic structure of the substance and the strength of the bonds.

3. Examples that could be easily observed in your classrooms: – Color – not always diagnostic, but sometimes can be – Luster – how the light reflects off the surface of a substance. – Malleability – the ability of a substance to be deformed under compressive stress. – Density – mass/unit volume. – Conductivity – the ability of the substance to transmit electricity or heat.

4. Color

5. Luster Non-MetallicMetallic

6. Malleability

7. Density

8. Conductivity

9. Metals vs. Non-metals MetalsNon-metals ColorGold, silver, copper, pyrite, some others show characteristic colors; always opaque Wide variety of colors or colorless; sometimes transparent or translucent LusterMetallic luster: think coins and jewelry; shiny or rusty Non-metallic luster: can be shiny, but looks like glass, not metal. Often dull. MalleabilityCan be hammered or rolled into various shapesWill shatter if hammered DensityUsually heavy for its size: think lead and goldAverage or light density – rarely heavy ConductivityWill conduct cold or heat; will conduct electricity when solid Will not conduct cold, heat, or electricity well.

10. Metalloids B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te, Po (a diagonal between the metals and the non-metals on the Periodic Table of the Elements) Can have properties of metals or non-metals, depending upon allotrope, temperature conditions, presence of an electric field, or other conditions. Often used as semi-conductors in electrical applications. Cannot be easily identified by your students.

11. For More Information, IRC: Physical Properties of Metals, Non-metals, and Metalloids