EasyChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Properties of Metals and Non-metalsConceptualBoard Exam
A solid is hit with a hammer, and it breaks into small pieces…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A solid is hit with a hammer, and it breaks into small pieces. Is it more likely to be a metal or a non-metal? Name the property. What would a metal have done?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Metals are usually shiny, hard, malleable, ductile, sonorous and good conductors, with high melting points. Non-metals are usually dull, brittle and poor conductors. Exceptions: mercury is liquid, sodium is soft and floats, graphite conducts, iodine is shiny, diamond is very hard. Metalloids such as silicon have properties of both.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. It is more likely a non-metal, such as sulphur.
Step 2. The property is brittleness.
Step 3. A metal would have flattened, because metals are malleable.
Answer: a non-metal; it is brittle.
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