Properties of Elements Vocab

Copy the definition next to the correct vocabulary word on your Unit Plan

Physical Property

A property that describes characteristics of matter that DO NOT change the substance to something new

(Ex. Luster, State change, Density)

Chemical Property

A property that describes characteristics of matter that DO change the substance to something new

(Ex. Corrosive, combustible)

Metals

Elements that are typically hard, have a shiny luster, solid, malleable, and good conductors. These make up the

majority of the PT;To the left of the staircase line

Nonmetals

Elements that are typically gaseous or brittle; are not malleable or ductile; poor conductors of heat and

electricity, and have a dull luster.Found to the right of the stair-case line

Metalloids

Elements that share properties of both metals and nonmetals

Found along, or touching, the stair-case line

Conductivity

A property that describes an object's ability to allow heat or electricity to pass through it (metals are good

conductors; nonmetals are poor conductors)

Luster

A physical property that describes how well an object reflects light (metals have a shiny luster; non metals

have a dull luster)

Malleability

A physical property that describes an object’s ability to be hammered into a thin sheet (the metal aluminum is

malleable; can be hammered into foil)

Magnetism

A physical property that describes an object’s ability to attract or repel other objects

Ductility

A physical property that describes an object’s ability to be pulled into wire (copper is ductile; it can be stretched into

wiring for electronics)

Brittle

A physical property that means an object will break or snap under pressure (most nonmetals are brittle)

Density

A physical property that describes the amount of matter in a given space or volume

D=m/v

Corrode

A chemical property that describes the eating away of metal by a chemical action

Rust

A reddish brown material that coats steel or iron when exposed to moisture

Combust

A chemical property that describes an element’s ability to catch fire or burst into flames