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Properties and Trends of Elements Lab

Last updated about 5 years ago
14 questions
The Periodic Table is an arrangement of the elements. Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based upon their physical and chemical properties. Physical properties can be observed without changing the identity of the element. Chemical properties can only be observed by changing the identitiy of the element.

There are samples of elements labeled with either their name or their element symbol. The properties of each sample will be examined are:
  • color-
  • luster- the mirror like shine that reflects light (opposite: dull)
  • form
  • malleability- the ability to be rolled or hammered into thin sheets (opposite: brittle)
  • ductility-the ability to be drawn into wire (opposite: brittle)
  • conductivity-the ability to transfer heat and electricty well
  • reactivity with hydrochloric acid, HCl (aq),
  • reactivity with coppper (II) chloride, CuCl2(aq).
In this lab you will compare physical and chemical properties of elements and investigate some periodic trends of elements.
1

Classify each property examined in this lab as either a physical property or a chemical property.

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
Melting/Boiling Point
Physical
Ductility
Physical
Density
Physical
Reactivity with CuCl2(aq)
Physical
Appearance
Chemical
Conductivity
Chemical
Malleablity
Physical
Reactivity with HCl(aq)
Physical
Procedure – Part I: Test the following properties. Record observations in the table below.
1. Appearance: Observe and record the appearance of each element. Include properties such as color, luster and also the form.
2. Tapping: The samples you are looking at have been gently tapped. Look at the samples and describe the 6 elements as malleable or brittle. A material is malleable if it flattens without shattering. A sample is brittle if it shatters into pieces when tapped.
3. Conductivity: Use the conductivity apparatus to test the conductivity of each sample. Follow your teacher's directions. Touch both electrodes to the element being tested. If the bulb lights, the element sample has allowed electricity to flow through it. Such a sample is termed a conductor. If the bulb fails to light, the material is a nonconductor.
4. Obtain a 24-well plate.Place a small sample of substance A in each of two wells in the plate as shown below.
  1. Place two or three drops of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) on the sample of substance A in the top row. Record your observations in the table below.
  2. Place two or three drops of 1.0 M copper (II) chloride (CuCl2) on the other sample of substance A in the second row. Record your observations.
  3. Repeat steps -2-4 using small samples of substance B, then C, D, E and F.
  4. Clean up: Dispose of solid in the waste container. Wash and wipe out well plates.
1

Part 1 Data Table

Part I Conclusion Questions: (Use complete sentences.)(Do not say “see data table”!)
1

Summarize the properties (physical and chemical) of metals. Cite specific evidence that you collected in Part 1 of the lab.

1

Summarize the properties (physical and chemical) of nonmetals. Cite specific evidence that you collected in Part 1 of the lab.

1

Summarize the properties (physical and chemical) of metalloids. Cite specific evidence that you collected in Part 1 of the lab.

Part II – Density of Group 14 elements.

Samples of silicon, tin and lead were massed on an electronic balance and the volume of the samples were measured by water displacement. Assume the initial volume of the water in the graduated cylinders is 50.0 mL.
2

Using the images provided, calculate the density of the silicon sample. Be sure to show your work. Report your answer with units and correct significant figures.

2

Using the images provided, calculate the density of the tin sample. Be sure to show your work. Report your answer with units and correct significant figures.

2

Using the images provided, calculate the density of the lead sample. Be sure to show your work. Report your answer with units and correct significant figures.

1

Organize the densities of the Group 14 elements into the data table provided. The period number can be found on the periodic table of elements.

Part 2 Data Table:

1

Describe in words the relationship between period number and density.

1

Using Reference Table S (CRT) look up the melting points, boiling points, and densities of the Alkali Metals. Record these numerical values next to their 3D blocks from an interactive periodic table. Note: The higher the block the higher the numerical value for the property of the element.

1

Complete the table for the Alkali Metals using your data and images from question 11.

1

Using Reference Table S (CRT) look up the melting points, boiling points, and densities of the Alkali Metals. Record these numerical values next to their 3D blocks from an interactive periodic table. Note: The higher the block the higher the numerical value for the property of the element.

1

Complete the table for the Halogens using your data and images from question 13.