CHM011 · Atoms, Elements & Periodic Table · Classes 6–9
Element Classification
Objective: To classify elements as metals, non-metals, metalloids and noble gases.
🧰 Virtual materials and apparatus
- Virtual colour-coded periodic table (Z 1–36)
- Colour key: metal, non-metal, metalloid, noble gas
📐 Formulas and SI units
class from position: left → metal, right → non-metal, staircase → metalloid
💡 Theory
Metals (left and centre) are shiny, conduct heat and electricity and lose electrons. Non-metals (top right) are usually dull, poor conductors and gain or share electrons. Metalloids such as silicon sit on the dividing staircase and have mixed properties. Noble gases are almost unreactive.
🪜 Guided virtual procedure
- Look at the colours: blue metals, green non-metals, yellow metalloids, pink noble gases.
- Select silicon.
- Select several elements on each side of the staircase.
- Find all the metalloids up to Z = 36.
- Name one use of each class.
📋 Observations Simulated values
✅ Result and conclusion
Silicon is a metalloid: it is shiny like a metal but a semiconductor.
🔬 Real lab vs simulation
Some classifications are debated (for example whether selenium or arsenic is a metalloid); hydrogen is a non-metal although it sits in group 1.
⚠️ Safety
Data exploration only. Real laboratory chemicals are handled only by teachers in a school laboratory.
❓ Quick check
1. Silicon is a…
2. Most elements are…
3. Which is a non-metal?
🏋️ Practice
EasyClass of argon?
Answer: Noble gas
MediumWhy is copper used for wires?
Answer: Metal: conducts electricity well
ChallengeName a metalloid other than silicon.
Answer: Boron, germanium or arsenic