Purpose Statement: The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the physical and chemical properties of eight elements and to classify them as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids. The purpose of this experiment is also to determine how the reactivity of the alkaline earth metals vary within a group.

Hypothesis: When the physical and chemical properties of the elements are determined, then we can classify them as being a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid because of their position in the periodic table. 

Variables:

IV:   The type of element

DV: The physical and chemical properties of the element

Control:   The accepted properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids

Safety: Hydrochloric acid solution is corrosive, copper chloride is toxic, and avoid all contact of chemicals with the eyes and skin.  Wear goggles and wash hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.

Materials: samples of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, conductivity tester, spatula, forceps, well-plate, solutions of group 2A elements, paper towel, pipettes

Summary of Procedure: The physical properties of the elements will be investigated by observing the physical appearance of the elements, testing the conductivity and malleability of each element.   The chemical properties of the elements will be tested by reacting each element with drops of hydrochloric acid and drops of copper chloride solution. In a separate investigation, you will mix solutions of similar alkaline earth compounds with a set of test solutions and observe whether or not precipitates form.  you will use the results to predict how the reactivity of the alkaline earth metals changes from top to bottom within Group 2A.