Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Content Standards

Students will demonstrate understanding of the physical properties of metals and non-metals such as lustre, malleability, ductility, conductivity, hardness, and state.

Performance Standards

Students will be able to:

Differentiate between metals and non-metals based on physical properties.
Classify given materials as metals or non-metals with reasoning.
Relate the physical properties of these elements to their practical applications in daily life.

Alignment Standards

Reference: NCERT Book Alignment

The lesson is aligned with the NCERT Grade 8 Science Book-Chapter 3: Metal and Non Metal, Section : 1 -“Physical properties”

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Identify key physical properties of metals and non-metals.
Compare lustre, malleability, ductility, hardness, sonority, and conductivity in metals vs. non-metals.
Classify substances correctly using physical properties.
Relate everyday applications (wires, cooking utensils, jewellery, non-metal usage in pencils, etc.) with the physical properties.

Prerequisites (Prior Knowledge)

Knowledge of matter and elements.
Familiarity with basic classification of substances.
Prior introduction to periodic table elements.

Introduction

Students will discover why metals are shiny, strong, and good conductors, while non-metals are generally dull, brittle, and poor conductors. This lesson helps them connect science concepts to real-life uses such as electrical wiring, utensils, ornaments, pencils, and oxygen supply.

Timeline (40 Minutes)

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Engage	5	Ask: 1- Have you ever wondered why some materials are used for electrical wiring while others are perfect for jewelry? 2-What makes metals and non-metals behave so differently in our daily lives? 3-Wires that carry current in your homes have a coating of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a rubber-like material. Why are electric wires coated with such substances?	Slides + real world object
Explore	10	Let’s Examine: Between Gold ,Silver ,copper and silicon , which one is Good conductor of electricity? Why are metals like gold and copper used in jewelry and electric wire?	Slides
Explain	10	Teacher explains physical properties of metals and non-metals with the help of VR lab: • Lustre • Hardness • Malleability • Ductility • Conductivity • Sonority	Slides and Virtual Lab
Evaluate	10	Students will attempt the Self Evaluation task on LMS.	Virtual Lab
Extend	5	Scenario Thinking: “If wires were made of rubber instead of copper, what would happen?”	Slides

Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Introduction

Metals and non-metals are two broad categories of elements that make up most of the substances around us. While metals like iron, copper, and aluminium are used for building machines, wires, and utensils, non-metals like oxygen, sulphur, and carbon are essential for breathing, fuel, and many chemical processes.

Their physical properties — such as appearance, strength, density, conductivity, and malleability — help us distinguish between metals and non-metals and also decide how they are used in daily life and industries. Understanding these properties is the first step in exploring their chemical behaviour.

Theory

Introduction:

Metals and Their Physical Properties

Metals usually show the following properties:

Lustre (Shininess): Freshly cut or polished metals have a shiny surface. Example: Gold and silver jewellery sparkle due to their metallic lustre.
Malleability: Metals can be hammered into thin sheets. Example: Aluminium foils used for food wrapping.
Ductility: Metals can be drawn into wires. Example: Copper and aluminium wires used in electrical wiring.
Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity because of free electrons. Example: Copper utensils heat quickly; silver is the best conductor of electricity.
Hardness and Strength: Most metals (iron, nickel) are hard and strong, but exceptions exist (sodium and potassium are soft and can be cut with a knife).
Sonority: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck. Example: Bells are made of metals like bronze.
Density: Metals generally have high density (iron, lead), though sodium and potassium are lighter.
Melting and Boiling Points: Metals usually have high melting and boiling points. Example: Tungsten has the highest melting point, used in filament of bulbs.

Non-Metals and Their Physical Properties

Non-metals show properties opposite to metals in most cases:

Lustre: Generally, non-metals are dull (Sulphur, phosphorus), but some like iodine and graphite are exceptions (they are shiny).
Malleability and Ductility: Non-metals are brittle and break when hammered or stretched (Sulphur and coal shatter easily).
Conductivity: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity. Example: Sulphur, phosphorus. Exception: Graphite (a form of carbon) is a good conductor.
Hardness and Strength: Usually soft (Sulphur, phosphorus), but diamond (allotrope of carbon) is the hardest natural substance.
Sonority: Non-metals are not sonorous; they produce a dull sound when hit.
Density and Melting Point: Non-metals usually have low density and low melting points (except diamond and graphite). Example: Oxygen and nitrogen exist as gases at room temperature.

Exceptions to General Trends

Metals that are soft: Sodium, potassium.
Metals with low melting points: Gallium and cesium melt even at temperatures slightly above room temperature.
Non-metals with high conductivity: Graphite conducts electricity.
Non-metals with high hardness: Diamond is the hardest known natural material.

Comparison Table: Metals vs Non-Metals

Property	Metals	Non-Metals
Appearance	Lustrous (shiny)	Generally dull
Malleability	Can be hammered into sheets	Brittle, break easily
Ductility	Can be drawn into wires	Not ductile
Conductivity	Good conductors	Poor conductors (except graphite)
Hardness	Usually, hard	Usually soft (except diamond)
Sonority	Sonorous (ringing sound)	Non-sonorous
Density	Generally high	Generally low
Melting/Boiling Point	High (except exceptions)	Low (except diamond, graphite)

Applications

Metals Based on Their Physical Properties

Malleability: Metals can be hammered into thin sheets, which makes them useful for making aluminium foils, car bodies, and utensils.
Ductility: Metals like copper and aluminium can be drawn into wires, hence they are used in electrical wiring and cables.
Good Conductors of Heat and Electricity: Because metals allow heat and electricity to pass easily, they are used in cookware, electric circuits, switches, and heating elements.
Lustre (Shiny Appearance): Metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are shiny, so they are used in jewellery, decoration, and coins.
Sonority: Metals produce a ringing sound when struck; this property is used in making bells, musical instruments, and temple gongs.
High Melting and Boiling Points: Metals like iron and steel can withstand high temperatures, so they are used in machinery, tools, and construction materials.
Strength and Hardness: Metals are strong and durable, which makes them ideal for bridges, vehicles, and industrial equipment.
High Density and Weight: Useful in making ship parts and building structures that require strength and stability.

Non-Metals Based on Their Physical Properties

Poor Conductors of Heat and Electricity: Non-metals like sulphur and phosphorus act as insulators, used in wire coverings and electrical equipment.
Brittleness: Since non-metals are brittle, they are not used for construction but can be used where easy breakability is needed (e.g., pencil lead – graphite).
Low Density and Softness: Non-metals like carbon and sulphur are light, useful in making medicines and matches.
Non-Lustrous (except graphite and iodine): Most non-metals are dull and are used where non-reflective materials are needed, such as charcoal in art.
Essential for Life: Non-metals like oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen are vital for respiration, photosynthesis, and protein formation.
Varied States: Non-metals can exist as solids, liquids, or gases, making them useful in chemical industries (e.g., chlorine for disinfectants, nitrogen for fertilizers).
Low Melting and Boiling Points: Allow non-metals like sulphur to be used in fireworks and chemical reactions at lower temperatures.

Vocabulary

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.

Heat Transfer – Movement of heat energy from hot to cold regions.
Conduction – Heat transfer through solid materials in contact.
Convection – Heat transfer in liquids and gases through particle motion.
Radiation – Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves without direct contact.
Thermal Energy – Energy due to movement of particles in matter.
Insulator – A material that resists heat flow (e.g., wood, plastic).
Conductor – A material that allows heat to flow easily (e.g., metal).
Convection Current – Circular movement of warm and cool fluid.
Thermal Equilibrium – When two objects reach the same temperature.
Solar Radiation – Heat energy from the Sun reaching Earth.

Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Introduction

Welcome to the Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals Virtual Lab!

In this 3D interactive experience, students will explore and compare the physical properties that distinguish metals from non-metals.

Through engaging visuals and animations, learners will investigate how different elements behave when tested for hardness, conductivity of heat, and conductivity of electricity.

The activity begins with an introduction explaining that we are going to learn about how metals and non-metals differ in their physical behavior.

Students will select one of the four given elements — Copper, Gold, Iron, and Sulphur — and perform a series of virtual tests to observe how each reacts in different situations.

Key Features

Immersive 3D environment introducing the concept of physical properties.

Selection of four elements: Copper, Gold, Iron, and Sulphur.

Interactive experiments demonstrating:

Hardness (hammer test to check if the element is hard or brittle).
Conductivity of heat (candle and ice experiment showing heat transfer).
Conductivity of electricity (simple electric circuit test showing whether current passes).

Real-time visual feedback after each test indicating whether the element is metal or non-metal based on its behaviour.

“Next” button navigation to move between property tests easily.

Step-by-Step Procedure for VR Experience

Step 1: Enter the Virtual Lab

Students enter the 3D virtual lab environment. A short introduction appears, explaining that students will learn about three physical properties of elements — hardness, conductivity of heat, and conductivity of electricity.
Observation: Listen and note that metals and non-metals behave differently based on these physical properties.

Step 2: Select an Element

Action: Students select one element from the list — Copper, Gold, Iron, or Sulphur.

Observation: Observe the physical appearance of each element.
- Copper: Reddish-brown, shiny, metallic lustre.
- Gold: Yellow, shiny, metallic surface.
- Iron: Greyish, metallic, slightly dull.
- Sulphur: Yellow, non-metallic, dull appearance.

Step 3: Test for Hardness

Action: Click the Next to perform the hardness test.
Animation: The selected element is struck with a hammer.
Observation: Watch how the element reacts when beaten.
- Copper: Does not break; can be flattened — hard and malleable (metal).
- Gold: Does not break; easily flattens — soft but malleable (metal).
- Iron: Very hard and strong; may dent but does not break — hard (metal).
- Sulphur: Breaks into pieces — brittle (non-metal).

Conclusion: Metals are generally hard and malleable, while non-metals are brittle.

Step 4: Test for Conductivity of Heat

Action: Click the “Next” button to start the heat conduction test.
Animation: The selected element is heated at one end with a candle flame, and a small ice cube is placed at the other end.
Observation: Observe how fast or slow the ice melts.
- Copper: Ice melts quickly — good conductor of heat (metal).
- Gold: Ice melts quickly — excellent conductor of heat (metal).
- Iron: Ice melts slowly — moderate conductor of heat (metal).
- Sulphur: Ice does not melt — poor conductor of heat (non-metal).
Conclusion: Metals are good conductors of heat, while non-metals are poor conductors.

Step 5: Test for Conductivity of Electricity

Action: Click the electric circuit icon to perform the electrical conductivity test.
Animation: The selected element is connected into a simple circuit with a bulb and battery.
Observation: See if the bulb glows when the circuit is complete.
- Copper: Bulb glows brightly — good conductor of electricity (metal).
- Gold: Bulb glows brightly — excellent conductor of electricity (metal).
- Iron: Bulb glows dimly — fair conductor of electricity (metal).
- Sulphur: Bulb does not glow — non-conductor of electricity (non-metal).

Conclusion: Metals are good conductors of electricity, whereas non-metals are non-conductors.