Discover the properties of metals and non-metals, and how their reactivity with acids and oxygen differs.
Metals are typically shiny (lustrous), good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable (can be hammered into sheets), and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
Why is aluminium used to make cooking foil?
Aluminium is malleable, so it can be rolled into very thin sheets, and it conducts heat well for cooking
Why is copper used for electrical wires instead of a non-metal like sulfur?
Copper is a good conductor of electricity, while sulfur is a poor conductor
Different metals react differently with acids and oxygen — some react vigorously, while others barely react at all, which affects how they're used and stored.
Why does iron rust over time when exposed to air and moisture, but gold does not?
Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form rust, while gold is much less reactive and resists this kind of reaction
What gas is often produced when a reactive metal reacts with an acid?
Hydrogen gas
1. Name one property that makes metals useful for making wires.
2. Name one property that makes metals useful for making cooking pans.
3. Why does iron rust but gold does not?
4. What gas is commonly released when a reactive metal reacts with an acid?
5. Name a metal that is highly resistant to reacting with air or water.