A Matter of Matter: A Peer Lesson by Dylan Jonas Classifying Symbols, Metals, and Elements

Describing Chemical Symbols Chemical symbols act like a universal language that all scientists of any dialect can understand when comparing research. A chemical symbol is an abbreviation of an element in which is to represent its name. For example, F stands for Fluorine. Every chemical symbol starts with a capital letter. If more than one letter is present, it is lowercased. For example, in Pb, which stands for Lead, the “b” must be lowercased. Uppercased Letters help group elements together without confusion. Two separate elements put together would mean that they are normally two separate reactants in a chemical equation.

Modeling Matter A model is a useful tool to help understand and demonstrate the properties or behavior of something. Most of the time, models are used to visualize something microscopic that we cant physically see. In the instance of Elements, as seen in these pictures below, can be modeled to describe chemical bonds and reactions between differing atoms.

A closer look at Elements Natural elements can be comprised of two classes: these are known as Metals and Nonmetals. These are only identifiable by their properties  Metals are defined by physical properties like luster, ductility, conductivity, and malleability.  Nonmetals are defined by brittleness, lack of luster, and non-conductivity. There are also Metalloids, and can posses both properties of Metals and Nonmetals, depending on the element.

Defining the Physical Properties of Elements Metals:  Luster- gives of a shining appearance, as if its brand new.  Ductility- ability to be bent or mended into shapes such as wire.  Conductivity- Ability to direct electricity.  Malleability- Ability to be crushed without breaking, and pressure into sheets. Nonmetals:  Lack Luster- no shiny reflection and is usually dull in appearance, as if it was old.  Non-Conductive- inability to direct electricity or direct it efficiently.  Brittleness- breaks apart into pieces when put under to much pressure.  Metalloids are a mixture between the two, and posses whichever properties depending on the varying elements they are.

Now it’s your turn… Quiz Time!

1)Which represents one element? 2)Which represents two elements? Sc CO 2 The Blue icon represents one elements, and the Green icon represents two elements.

3) Referring to the legend on slide 3, determine how many of which atoms are in this compound. There are: 2 carbon atoms 2 oxygen atoms 4 hydrogen atoms

4) Telling from how these aluminum atoms are placed in this model, what can be said about this element’s properties? Aluminum is malleable, which allows it to be pressured into thin, fine sheets without breaking.

5)Which of these are metal and which are nonmetal? 6)How can you tell? This element, Osmium, is a Metal. This can be seen from it’s shininess. This element, Phosphorus, is a Nonmetal. This can be seen from its dull appearance. This element, Copper, is a Metal. This can be seen because it’s been pressured into sheets. This element, Sulfur, is a Nonmetal. Then can be seen because its been crushed into pieces.

7) What is significant about the blue and yellow fill-ins for some of the text? Bonus Question! They represent the classification on your Periodic Table Handout! Blue represented the Metals, and Green represented the Nonmetals!