Ask a Teacher

1. With the hammer, we can beat the sample and if it can be beaten into thin sheets (that is, it is malleable), then it is a metal otherwise a non metal. Similarly, we can use the battery, bulb, wires, and a switch to set up a circuit with the sample. If the sample conducts electricity, then it is a metal otherwise a non metal.

2. The above tests are useful in distinguishing between metals and non metals as these are based on the physical properties. No chemical reactions are involved in these tests.