Differences between the properties of metals and non-metals
3 marks · EasyThe table lists four elements: sodium, aluminium, sulfur and silicon.
State whether each of these elements conducts electricity or not (at room temperature).
Name one exception among non-metals that conducts electricity.
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(a) Sodium and aluminium conduct electricity; sulfur does not; silicon conducts (weakly/semiconductor).
(b) Graphite
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Marking points
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly states that sodium and aluminium conduct electricity; sulfur does not.
A2 (a) · 1 mark · States that silicon conducts (allow 'weak conductor' or 'semiconductor').
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Names graphite as a non-metal that conducts electricity.
Worked solution
a Sodium and aluminium conduct electricity as they are metals. Sulfur does not conduct electricity. Silicon conducts electricity, although not as well as metals (it is a semiconductor).
b Graphite (a form of carbon) is a non-metal that conducts electricity.