AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), Higher tier · Atomic structure and the periodic table › The periodic table
Practise Metals and non-metals. 11 exam-style questions on this subtopic, at up to four difficulty levels, with full mark schemes and a progress tracker. Free, no account needed.
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The elements in the periodic table can be classified as metals or non-metals. Give two physical properties that are typical of metals.
e.g. good conductors of electricity; shiny
Sample questions
Written for this site in the style of AQA exam questions. They are not taken from real past papers.
Question 1Easy5 marks
The elements in the periodic table can be classified as metals or non-metals.
(a) Where are metals found in the periodic table? Tick (✓) one box.[1]
To the left and towards the bottom
To the right and towards the top
Only in Group 0
Only in the first row
(b) Complete the sentence. Tick (✓) one box. Metals are elements that react to form ................[1]
negative ions
positive ions
shared pairs of electrons
small molecules
(c) Give two physical properties that are typical of metals.[2]
(d) Are most elements metals or non-metals?[1]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)Answer: To the left and towards the bottom
(b)Answer: positive ions
(c)Answer: e.g. good conductors of electricity; shiny
good conductor of electricity
good conductor of heat / thermal energy
shiny (when freshly cut or polished)
malleable / can be hammered into shape
ductile / can be drawn into wires
high melting point
high density
sonorous
(d)Answer: metals
metals
Question 2Medium6 marks
The way an element reacts depends on the arrangement of electrons in its atoms.
(a) Explain, in terms of electronic structure, why the elements on the left-hand side of the periodic table are metals.[2]
(b) The electronic structure of aluminium is 2,8,3. Aluminium forms ions with a charge of 3+. Explain why.[2]
(c) The electronic structure of sulfur is 2,8,6. Sulfur is a non-metal. Predict the charge on a sulfide ion. Explain your answer.[2]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)Answer: Their atoms have only 1, 2 or 3 outer electrons, which they lose to form positive ions.
(atoms have) few electrons in the outer shell / 1, 2 or 3 outer electrons
(so they) lose electrons to form positive ions
(b)Answer: Each atom loses its 3 outer electrons, leaving a full outer shell (2,8).
aluminium atoms lose 3 (outer) electrons
to get a full outer shell / the electronic structure of a noble gas / 2,8
(c)Answer: 2−; each sulfur atom gains 2 electrons to fill its outer shell (2,8,8).
2− / −2
sulfur atoms gain 2 electrons (to get a full outer shell / 2,8,8)
Question 3Hard4 marks
A technician has an unlabelled shiny grey solid element and must decide whether it is a metal or a non-metal. Some non-metals, such as iodine and graphite, are also shiny and grey.
(a) Describe a chemical test the technician could use, and the result that would show that the element is a metal.[3]
(b) The element did not react with the dilute acid. Explain why this does not prove that the element is a non-metal.[1]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a)Answer: Add a small piece of the element to dilute hydrochloric acid: fizzing shows a gas is produced; if the gas gives a squeaky pop with a lighted splint it is hydrogen, which shows the element is a metal.
add a small piece of the element to dilute hydrochloric / sulfuric acid
fizzing / bubbles of gas show the element is reacting (a metal)
test the gas with a lighted splint: a squeaky pop shows it is hydrogen
(b)Answer: Some metals are too unreactive to react with dilute acids.
some metals (e.g. copper, silver) are too unreactive to react with dilute acids