Question

Categorise the following materials as metals and non-metals: [3 marks]
Silver, sulphur, copper, carbon, gold and phosphorous.

Answer 1

Physical properties divide materials into metals and non-metals.
$\bullet$ In the given materials, silver, gold and copper are lustrous, sonorous, hard, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. These are the properties that are exhibited by metals. Hence, they are metals. [1.5 marks]
$\bullet$ Whereas, sulphur, carbon, and phosphorous are non-lustrous, non-sonorous, non-malleable, non-ductile, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. Hence, they are non-metals. [1.5 marks]