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 |
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|
Argon |
Atmosphere for welding |
Inert |
|
Atmosphere for metallurgy |
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|
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 |
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|
Phosphorus |
Smoke bombs |
Reactivity |
|
Manufacturing match leads |
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|
Neon |
Neon Lights |
Glow red and give out light |
|
Chlorine |
Water treatment |
Bactericide and algaecide |
|
Bleaching agent |
Reactivity in decolourising chemicals |