YEAR 7: Metals and Non-Metals

Material: Iron nail

Is it a Metal or Non-Metal?

• Metal

• Non-Metal

• Plastic

• Glass

Answer explanation

An iron nail is made of iron, which is a metal. Metals are typically characterized by their conductivity, malleability, and luster, distinguishing them from non-metals, plastics, and glass.

Material: Iron nail

Appearance (Shiny/Dull): ________

• Shiny

• Dull

• Rough

• Transparent

Answer explanation

Iron nails typically have a shiny appearance due to their metallic surface. This shine is a characteristic of iron when it is clean and not oxidized, making 'Shiny' the correct choice.

Material: Iron nail

Hard or Soft? ________

• Hard

• Soft

• Liquid

• Gas

Answer explanation

An iron nail is made of iron, which is a metal known for its hardness. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Hard' as it accurately describes the physical property of an iron nail.

Can it conduct heat or electricity?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• Only heat

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Yes' because materials that can conduct heat or electricity are typically metals or conductive materials. They allow the flow of thermal energy and electric current.

Material: Copper wire

Appearance (Shiny/Dull): ________

• Shiny

• Dull

• Rough

• Transparent

Answer explanation

Copper wire typically has a shiny appearance due to its smooth surface and metallic properties. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Shiny'.

Material: Aluminium foil

Is it a Metal or Non-Metal?

• Metal

• Plastic

• Wood

• Glass

Answer explanation

Aluminium foil is made from aluminium, which is a metal. Metals are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable, distinguishing them from non-metals like plastic, wood, and glass.

Material: Charcoal Appearance

(Shiny/Dull): ________

• Dull

• Shiny

• Transparent

• Rough

Answer explanation

Charcoal typically has a dull appearance due to its porous structure and lack of reflective surfaces. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Dull', as it accurately describes the visual characteristic of charcoal.

Material: Charcoal

Hard or Soft?

• Brittle

• Flexible

• Elastic

• Sticky

Answer explanation

Charcoal is classified as brittle because it can easily break or crumble under stress, unlike flexible or elastic materials that can bend without breaking. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Brittle'.

Material: Plastic ruler

Is it a Metal or Non-Metal?

• Non-Metal

• Metal

• Alloy

• Mineral

Answer explanation

A plastic ruler is made from polymers, which are classified as non-metals. Unlike metals, non-metals do not conduct electricity well and are generally not malleable or ductile, making 'Non-Metal' the correct choice.

Metals are considered more important than non-metals for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT a reason why metals are considered more important?

• Metals are essential for making tools and machinery.

• Metals are good conductors of electricity and heat.

• Metals are used in construction and transportation.

• Metals are more abundant than non-metals in the Earth's crust.

Answer explanation

The statement 'Metals are more abundant than non-metals in the Earth's crust' is NOT a reason for their importance. While metals are crucial for tools, conductivity, and construction, abundance alone does not determine their significance.