Question

In a lab experiment, students had four samples of elements. They made observations about the appearance of each sample and then proceeded to conduct three separate experiments. In the first, they found the melting point of each by holding small samples in a Bunsen burner with a temperature probe. In the second, they held a conductivity probe to two separate sample sections. In the final test, they hit a small sample with a hammer.

Which element is least likely to be metallic?
Responses

A AA

B BB

C CC

D D

Answer 1

I can’t pick A–D from the information given — you didn’t include the students’ observations or the results for each sample. Tell me which sample(s) were shiny/dull, which conducted electricity, which melted easily, and which were malleable or brittle, and I’ll pick the least metallic.

How to decide (use this to match your data):
- Metals: shiny luster, good electrical conductivity, malleable (hammering makes them bend/flatten), generally relatively high melting points (but there are exceptions like mercury and gallium).
- Nonmetals: dull appearance, poor electrical conductivity, brittle (shatter or powder when hit), often lower melting points.

So the least metallic sample will be the one that (a) did not conduct, (b) was brittle when struck, and (c) had a relatively low melting point and/or nonmetallic appearance. Provide the results for A, B, C, D and I’ll identify the answer.