Physical Properties and Types of Elements

This is part of preliminary HSC Chemistry course under the topic of Periodicity

HSC Chemistry Syllabus

  • Classify the elements based on their properties and position in the periodic table through their:
    • Physical properties
    • Chemical properties

    Physical Properties & Types of Elements

    Physical and Chemical Properties of Elements

    Elements can be classified as being metals, semi-metals/metalloids, and non-metals. A diagram depicting the position of metals, non-metals and semi-metals on the periodic table can be found below.


    Elements which are classified in the same groups generally have similar physical properties although they may vary. Physical properties include:

     

    • Appearance – How do the elements look
    • Electrical conductivity – Is the element able to conduct electricity
    • Thermal conductivity – Is the element able to conduct heat?
    • Malleability and ductility – Can the element be shaped into wires?
    • Density – Does the element have much mass per unit of volume?
    • Melting & Boiling point – At what temperature does the element turn from solid to liquid or liquid into gas
    • Strength – Is the substance strong?

       

      Properties

      Metals

      Semi-metals

      Non-metals

      Appearance

      Lustrous

      Low sheen

      Dull

      Electrical Conductivity

      High

      Low (semi-conductors)

      Nil (insulators)

      Thermal conductivity

      High

      High

      Low(insulators)

      Malleability and ductility

      High

      Moderate

      Nil (brittle)

      Density

      Generally High

      Intermediate

      Low

      Boiling Point

      Generally High

      Generally High

      Low

      Strength

      High

      Variable

      Low

      Element

      Uses

      Property which use is based on

      Copper

      Electrical wiring

      Ductile, high conductive to electricity

      Iron

      Structural building materials

      High tensile strength

      Zinc

      Galvanising of iron

      High reactivty allows it to prefentially corrode and protect the iron

      Gold

      Ornament

      Lustrous, highly inert (not reactive)

      Jewellery

      Argon

      Atmosphere for welding

      Inert

      Atmosphere for metallurgy

      Helium

      Meteorological balloons

      Low density and inertness

      Silicon

      Computer chips

      Semi-conductive properties

      Transistors

      Carbon (Graphite)

      Lead pencils and lubricant

      Softness and layered structure

      Electrodes in a battery

      Conducts electricity

      Carbon (Diamond)

      Jewellery

      Transparent and has high refractive index meaning that it is highly

      Drill tips

      High melting point and hardness

      Sulphur

      Vulcanising rubber

      Abundance and reactivity

      Manufacturing sulphuric acid

      Phosphorus

      Smoke bombs

      Reactivity

      Manufacturing match leads

      Neon

      Neon Lights

      Glow red and give out light

      Chlorine

      Water treatment

      Bactericide and algaecide

      Bleaching agent

      Reactivity in decolourising chemicals

      BACK TO MODULE 1: PROPERTIES AND STRUCTURE OF MATTER