Physical Property Vocabulary: Metals, Nonmetals & Metalloids

a substance with the ability to transfer heat or electrical energy

• insulator

• conductor

• semiconductor

• ductile

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

An earthy, non-metallic appearance caused by weak reflection of light. For example phosphorus, carbon and sulfur.

• insulator

• shiny luster

• dull luster

• brittle

A radiant, metallic appearance due to strong reflection of light ability. For example, gold, silver, and copper. 

• insulator

• shiny luster

• dull luster

• conductor

a substance that does not allow electricity to transfer.

• conductor

• semiconductor

• insulator

• malleable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

a physical property of an object allowing it to be reshaped with bending or cracking

• conductor

• semiconductor

• insulator

• malleable

A physical property of metals to be able to be drawn out into a thin wire.

• conductor

• brittle

• ductile

• malleable

A substance with the conductivity between a conductor and insulator that conducts an electrical current.

• conductor

• semiconductor

• ductile

• malleable

A physical property that describes how easily a material breaks or snaps when force is applied

• brittle

• luster

• ductile

• malleable

A physical property that describes how light reflects on a surface. Can be dull or shiny.

• brittle

• luster

• ductile

• malleable