Lesson T7.2.1

T7.2.1 Properties of metals and non-metals Quiz: KS3 Chemistry, Unit 7

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T7.2.1, Properties of metals and non-metals: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 Chemistry (National Curriculum), Unit 7: The Periodic Table, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which physical property is typical of most metals?

    • Conducts electricity
    • Brittle solid
    • Poor heat conductor
    • Low melting point

  2. Which property is typical of solid non-metals?

    • Highly malleable
    • Shiny appearance
    • High density
    • Poor electrical conductor

  3. What does the term malleable mean for a metal?

    • Dissolves in water
    • Drawn into wire
    • Hammered into shape
    • Melts very easily

  4. What does the term ductile mean for a metal?

    • Shiny when cut
    • Drawn into wire
    • Good heat conductor
    • Hammered into sheets

  5. What physical property describes a solid non-metal like sulfur when struck?

    • Malleable
    • Elastic
    • Ductile
    • Brittle

  6. What type of ion do metal atoms typically form during chemical reactions?

    • Positive ions
    • Isotopes
    • Negative ions
    • Neutral atoms

  7. Which group of elements usually forms acidic oxides?

    • Alkali metals only
    • Metals
    • Noble gases only
    • Non-metals

  8. How do the melting points of most metals generally compare to non-metals?

    • Variable
    • Higher
    • Lower
    • Identical

  9. Which property makes copper ideal for electrical wiring cables?

    • High magnetism
    • Low density
    • High electrical conductivity
    • Thermal insulator

  10. What appearance do most pure metal elements display when freshly cut?

    • Dull
    • Powdery
    • Shiny
    • Transparent

  11. Which non-metal element is a notable exception that conducts electricity?

    • Diamond
    • Sulfur
    • Phosphorus
    • Graphite

  12. Which of these is a non-metal that is a gas at room temperature?

    • Aluminium
    • Copper
    • Oxygen
    • Iron

  13. Which term describes the ability of metals to be hammered into different shapes?

    • Rigid
    • Brittle
    • Malleable
    • Fragile

  14. An unknown element conducts electricity well and is shiny. What is it likely to be?

    • A non-metal
    • A polymer
    • A noble gas
    • A metal

  15. What type of electrons allow metals to conduct electricity and heat?

    • Localized protons
    • Inner-shell electrons
    • Delocalised electrons
    • Fixed neutrons

  16. How do solid non-metals typically compare to metals in terms of density?

    • Low density
    • Zero density
    • High density
    • Infinite density

  17. Why are metals chosen to make the base of cooking pans?

    • Poor thermal conductor
    • Good thermal conductor
    • High transparency
    • Electrical insulator

  18. Why are plastics used as handles for cooking pans?

    • Good thermal conductor
    • High electrical conductor
    • Poor thermal conductor
    • Magnetic material

  19. A solid element is dull, brittle and does not conduct electricity. Which type of element is it most likely to be?

    • A non-metal
    • An alkali metal
    • A transition metal
    • A metal

  20. What is the typical electrical conductivity of most non-metals?

    • Poor
    • Variable
    • Excellent
    • Superconducting

All KS3 Chemistry quizzes