Question

in a lab experiment, students had four samples of elements. they made observations about the appearance of each sample and then proceeded to conduct three separate experiments. in the first, they found the melting point of each by holding small samples in a bunsen burner with a temperature probe in the second, they used a conductivity probe to two separate sample sections. in the final test, they hit a small sample with a hammer. which element is least likely to be metallic? a black pellet, 3500 c, none, becomes a powder b reddish pellet, 1360 c, high, flattens a little c shiny silver pellet, 1200 c, high, retains shape d dull gray pellet, 620 c, high, flattens a lot

Explanation:

Step1: Recall metallic properties

Metals are usually shiny, have high melting - points, are good electrical conductors, and are malleable (flatten when pounded).

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: Black pellet, no electrical conductivity, and becomes a powder when pounded. These are non - metallic properties.
• Option B: Reddish pellet, high melting point, high electrical conductivity, and flattens a little when pounded. It has some metallic properties but the flattening is not very significant compared to typical metals.
• Option C: Shiny silver pellet, high melting point, high electrical conductivity, and retains shape when pounded. Retaining shape is not a typical metallic property (metals are malleable).
• Option D: Dull gray pellet, relatively high melting point, high electrical conductivity, and flattens a lot when pounded. It has high electrical conductivity and good malleability which are strong metallic indicators.

Answer:

D