Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids Worksheet

abstract detail of round metal machinery
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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated December 10, 2019

This worksheet can be used to test students by having them identify elements as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids. It also has a section to list the physical characteristics of each type of element.​ The worksheet is available as a free download in ​PDF format.

Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids Worksheet

Worksheet for identifying metals, nonmetals, metalloids and their properties.
Worksheet for identifying metals, nonmetals, metalloids and their properties. Todd Helmenstine

Worksheet Answers

  • Copper - metal
  • Oxygen - nonmetal
  • Boron - metalloid
  • Potassium - metal
  • Silicon - metalloid
  • Helium - nonmetal
  • Aluminum - metal
  • Hydrogen - nonmetal
  • Calcium - metal
  • Polonium - metalloid

Physical Properties: Possible Answers

Metals:

  • Shiny
  • Solid at room temperature (except for mercury)
  • Malleable
  • Ductile
  • High melting points
  • High densities
  • Large atomic radii
  • Low ionization energies
  • Low electronegativities
  • Good electrical conductors
  • Good thermal conductors

Nonmetals:

  • Dull non-lustrous appearance
  • Poor electrical conductors
  • Poor thermal conductors
  • Nonductile
  • Brittle solid form

Metalloids:

  • Electronegativities between metals and nonmetals
  • Ionization energies between metals and nonmetals
  • Reactivity depends on other elements involved in the reactions
  • Intermediate electrical conductivity (used in semiconductors)
  • Sometimes have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals