Year 8 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 13
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Learning Goals
Compare two
Complete the table to compare metals and non-metals. Fill in as many cells as you can using what you have learned.
| Feature | Metals | Non-metals |
|---|---|---|
| Typical appearance | ||
| Electrical conductivity | ||
| Malleability | ||
| State at room temperature (typical) | ||
| Location on periodic table |
Real-world context
Australian mining companies extract bauxite ore, which contains aluminium compounds, from the Pilbara region of Western Australia. After processing, the aluminium is exported or used locally in manufacturing. Aluminium is one of the most abundant metals in Earth's crust and is widely used in aircraft fuselages, food packaging foil, and high-voltage power lines across the country.
(a) List three properties of aluminium that explain why it is used in aircraft. For each property, write one sentence explaining the link to aircraft design.
(b) Cast iron cooking pots retain heat far better than aluminium ones, which is why they are preferred for slow-cooking. Identify the property difference between aluminium and cast iron that explains this, and explain what this tells you about the limits of using properties alone to choose a material.
1. Copper is used for electrical wiring rather than iron, even though both are metals. Using your knowledge of metal properties, explain why copper is the better choice for this application.
2. Graphite (a form of carbon) is classified as a non-metal, yet it conducts electricity. Does this mean graphite should be reclassified as a metal? Explain your reasoning using at least two other properties.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?