Everyday Elements Hunt
Match metals and non-metals to their common uses.
What this lesson covers
Why it matters
Your kitchen is a chemistry lab: the copper pan conducts heat, the aluminium foil wraps food, and the diamond ring sparkles. Why do these elements behave so differently?
Predict first
Why is copper used for electrical wires while sulphur is not?
Metals have a 'sea of electrons' that flow easily. Non-metals hold their electrons tightly, making them insulators.
- Copper is a metal with free-moving electrons; sulphur is a non-metal with no free electrons. — correct
- Copper is shiny and sulphur is dull.
- Sulphur is too heavy to conduct electricity.
What you do
Match each element to the everyday job its properties make it perfect for.
Check yourself
Why are aluminium pots used for cooking instead of iron pots in some cases?
Aluminium is a metal with high thermal conductivity and low density, making it ideal for cookware.
Which element is used in jewellery because it is unreactive and lustrous?
Gold is a noble metal; it does not tarnish or corrode easily, retaining its shine.
Which statement correctly describes sulphur?
Sulphur is a non-metal solid. It is stable in air at room temperature, but it burns when heated to form sulphur dioxide (SO₂).
- Aluminium is lighter and a good conductor of heat. — correct
- Aluminium is cheaper than iron.
- Iron reacts with food acids to form toxic compounds.
- Aluminium is a non-metal.
- Gold — correct
- Sodium
- Iron
- Sulphur
- It is a non-metal solid that can burn if heated. — correct
- It is a liquid metal.
- It conducts electricity well.