Student name: …………………………………………..……….....................…… Class: ………………………..........

INVESTIGATION 9.4
Looking for similarities

AIM: To determine properties of elements

You will need:

safety glasses
samples of sulfur, zinc, tin, carbon, silicon, copper
steel wool or very fine sandpaper
battery or power pack
wires with alligator clips
light globe

● Make a copy of the table below and use it to record your observations.

Characteristics of some elements

Element Shiny or dull? Does it bend? Does it conduct electricity?
Sulfur
Zinc
Tin
Carbon
Silicon
Copper

● Rub each of the elements with the fine sandpaper and observe whether they are shiny or dull.
● Try to bend the metal.
● Connect the circuit shown in the diagram at right to determine whether electricity passes through each of
the elements.

© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 1

Investigation 9.4

Connect your element sample into this circuit.

DISCUSSION
1. Which of the six elements have a shiny surface when polished?

2. Which of the six elements do not have a shiny surface when polished?

3. Which of the six elements can be bent?

4. Which of the six elements cannot be bent?

5. Which of the six elements allow electricity to pass through?

© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 2

Investigation 9.4

6. Which of the six elements do not conduct electricity?

7. Attempt to divide the elements into two groups on the basis of your observations. Suggest names for
these two groups.

8. Which of the six elements tested does not seem to fit into either of these two groups?

© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd 3