9.1.1 Physical Properties of Elements
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) • Papers 2 & 3 Style • 15 Questions
Total Marks
33
Your Score
0
Questions
15
Definitions
What does the term malleable mean when describing a metal?
💡 Hint: Think about what happens when a blacksmith hammers iron.
What does the term ductile mean when describing a metal?
💡 Hint: Think about how copper wires are made in a factory.
Define the term 'good conductor of heat' in the context of metallic properties.
💡 Hint: Think about why a metal spoon left in hot soup becomes hot throughout.
What does it mean when we say a substance has a high melting point?
💡 Hint: Think about the energy required to overcome the forces holding particles together.
Define electrical conductivity. Under what conditions do metals conduct electricity?
💡 Hint: What charge carriers are responsible for electrical conduction in metals?
Comparisons
State three differences in physical properties between copper (a metal) and sulfur (a non-metal).
💡 Hint: Consider: electrical conductivity, malleability, melting point, and appearance.
Compare the physical properties of iron and iodine. State three differences.
💡 Hint: Iron is a transition metal. Iodine is a halogen that forms I₂ molecules. Consider bonding type.
The table shows data for two elements: Element P: Melting point = 1455°C, Conducts electricity = Yes (solid), Density = 8.9 g/cm³, Appearance = Shiny solid Element Q: Melting point = -219°C, Conducts electricity = No, Density = 0.0016 g/cm³, Appearance = Colourless gas Using the data, compare and explain the physical properties of Elements P and Q.
💡 Hint: Identify what type of element each is first. Then explain bonding.
Explain why metals are generally malleable but ionic compounds (like sodium chloride) are brittle.
💡 Hint: Think about what happens at the atomic level when force is applied to each structure.
State two similarities in physical properties between aluminium and copper.
💡 Hint: Both are metals — think about what ALL metals have in common.
Identifying Metals vs Non-Metals
Element X has a high boiling point and conducts electricity when solid. Is Element X a metal or a non-metal? Justify your answer using both pieces of data.
💡 Hint: Which type of element conducts in the SOLID state?
Element Y is a solid at room temperature with a melting point of 44°C. It does not conduct electricity and is brittle. Identify Element Y as a metal or non-metal and justify your answer.
💡 Hint: A melting point of 44°C is extremely low for a solid. What type of bonding would give such a low melting point?
A student tests an unknown element Z and records these observations: • Shiny silvery appearance • Melting point: 98°C • Density: 0.97 g/cm³ (floats on water) • Reacts vigorously with water to produce a gas • Conducts electricity Identify Element Z and give evidence from the data to support your answer.
💡 Hint: Which group of the Periodic Table contains metals that are: soft, low density, low melting point, and react vigorously with water?
The table below shows properties of four elements W, X, Y, and Z: W: MP = 1535°C, Conducts (solid) = Yes, Malleable = Yes, Appearance = Shiny grey X: MP = -101°C, Conducts (solid) = No, Malleable = No, Appearance = Colourless gas Y: MP = 1660°C, Conducts (solid) = Yes, Malleable = Yes, Appearance = Shiny white Z: MP = 119°C, Conducts (solid) = No, Malleable = No, Appearance = Yellow solid Classify each element as metal or non-metal with justification.
💡 Hint: Look for the pattern: conductivity in solid + malleability + high MP = metal.
A student claims: 'All elements with high melting points are metals.' Evaluate this claim using your knowledge of physical properties. Give examples to support your answer. [4 marks]
💡 Hint: Think of non-metals that have VERY high melting points. What type of structure do they have?
📊 Results Summary
🔁 Keep practising. Focus on Section B comparisons and examiner keywords.
🎯 Top 3 Examiner Traps in This Topic
- Conductivity confusion: Metals conduct via DELOCALIZED ELECTRONS (solid + liquid). Ionic compounds conduct via MOBILE IONS (molten/dissolved only). Never mix these up.
- High melting point ≠ metal: Diamond and SiO₂ are non-metals with extremely high MPs due to giant covalent structures.
- Vague property statements: "Can be shaped" earns 0 marks. "Can be HAMMERED into shape without breaking" earns full marks. Always be specific.
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