IGCSE CO-ORDINATED SCIENCES Name ANSWERS

Topic 10 METALS Date _____________________

10.1 Properties of metals and non-metals NOTE: If you were absent for this activity
then you will need to use your textbook and
YEAR 9 Revision: other references like the Metals and Alloys
handout.
Q1. Which side of the zig zag on the periodic table are metals?
Left side

Q2. Which side of the zig zag on the periodic table are non-metals? _Rigth side

Q3. Does hydrogen fall under metal or non-metal? __non-metal_______________

Q4. What does the term physical property refer to? A property that can be measured without changing the
chemical composition of a substance (e.g. melting and boiling points, conductivity, malleability, appearance)

Q5. What does the term chemical property refer to? A property or behavior of a substance when it undergoes
a chemical reaction (e.g. oxidation, flammability, reactivity with other substances)

YEAR 10 Curriculum:
10.1.1 Distinguish between metals and non-metals by their general physical and chemical
properties.
Q6. SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS and NON-METALS
Property Metals Non-metals
Appearance Shiny Dull
State at room Solid (except About half are solids, about half are
temperature mercury, which is a gases, and one (bromine) is a liquid
liquid)
Density High (they feel heavy Low (they feel light for their size)
for their size)
Strength Strong Weak
Malleable or Malleable (they bend Brittle (they break or shatter when
brittle without breaking) hammered)
Conduction of Good Poor (they are insulators)
heat
Conduction of Good Poor (they are insulators, apart
electricity from graphite)
Magnetic Only iron, cobalt and None
material nickel
Sound when hit They make a ringing They make a dull sound
sound (they are
sonorous)
 SOME DIFFERENCES IN CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF
METALS and NON-METALS

METALS
Often have 1-3 valence electrons
Tend to lose valence electrons quite easily
Form oxides that are basic (alkali)
Good reducing agents
NON-METALS
Often have 4-8 valence electrons
Gain or share valence electrons easily
Form oxides that are acidic
Good oxidizing agents

10.1.2 Identify and interpret diagrams that represent the structure of an alloy.

Q7. Read pages textbook pages 158-159.

a. What is an alloy?
A mixture of two or more metal elements. Or a mixture of a metal element with a non-metal element.

b. Draw Figure. 13.1.1 A mixture of metal crystals is not the same as an alloy

c. Draw Figure 13.1.3 Alloys are stronger then pure metals because the layers cannot
slide easily.

Q8. An alloy is a mixture of metals or a mixture of metals with a non-metal.

By making metal into an alloy it becomes stronger and harder. This
is because the layers of metal atoms in the alloy cannot slide over one another
easily.

10.1.3 Explain why metals are often used in the form of alloys. (EXTENDED)
Q9. Paste this handout into your notebook. Then, on the next blank page of your notebook, draw out
the table under Uses of Alloys on pg. 159.