You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and a switch.

(a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and non-metals?

(b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and nonmetals.

Answer

By the given materials, 2 sets of experiments can be done in order to distinguish if a given substance is metal or nonmetal.

1. The Hammer can be used to check the malleability, hardness, and sonority of a substance.

• Metals are malleable , that is, they can be broken down into thin sheets without breaking
• Most metals are hard . They don’t break/deform when force is applied. 
• Metals are sonorous . They make sounds when hit. 
• Non-metals are Brittle, soft, and not sonorous .

2. A bulb , wires and a switch can be used to check the electrical conductivity of a substance.
   A set up of a bulb, wire, 2 holders and a switch can be made as shown below.

Now, attach the substances to be tested in the holders one by one

•   Metals conduct electricity . So, if the substance is metallic the bulb will light up when the switch is on.
• Non-metals are poor conductors. The bulb will not light up when the switch is on.