Teacher Preparation Notes for Metal Identification Lab

Background:
Many methods are used to identify a piece of metal. Some common methods used
for field identification are surface appearance, chemical tests, and the use of a
magnet. Sometimes it is possible to identify metals by their surface appearance.
Copper and copper alloys will have an orange-brown or yellowish appearance, while
tin, aluminum, iron, and zinc will have a dull or shiny gray-silver surface.
When the surface appearance of a metal does not give enough information to allow
positive identification, other identification tests must be done to identify the
metal. All metals can be placed into two groups --- ferrous or nonferrous. Ferrous
metals are magnetic and include iron. Other metals are nonferrous.
Reaction with strong acids such as hydrochloric acid can be used for metal
identification. Zinc reacts immediately and violent with HCl. Tin shows little or no
reaction with HCl, and aluminum has a delayed reaction with HCl.

Data Table:
Metal
Aluminum
Copper

Appearance
Gray, dull,
sometimes
shiny
Yellow to
orange-brown

Magnetic

HCl

No

Delayed
reaction

No

No reaction

Iron

Dark

Yes

Delayed
reaction

Tin

Dull,
yellowish
metal

No

Little, if nay
reaction

Zinc

Shiny, Dense
(heavy) metal

No

Immediate
violent
reaction

Time:
Teacher preparation 20 minutes
1

Class time 45 minutes

Materials:

Samples of metals (iron, aluminum, tin, zinc, and copper)

2- 250 ml beakers (per lab group)
Disposable dropper (one per group)
HCl

Student Safety Issues:

Review students on proper dress for lab --- aprons, goggles, and gloves. Also
review students on location of sinks and eye washes for flushing off chemicals and
the care and use of acids.

Disposal of Materials:
Hydrochloric acid may be poured down the sink and flushed with excess water.

Hint:
Set up all lab supplies the day before lab on a lab cart or an area of the lab
accessible to all students.

Answer to Questions:

1.
YELLOW to
ORANGE-BROWN

COLOR
NOT Yellowish
MAGNETIC

YES

COPPER or
COPPER
ALLOY

IRON or IRON
ALLOY

NO

REACT WITH
ACID

FAST?

NO

NO

TIN

2. a. copper

ZINC

ALUMINUM

b. iron

References:
Metals color test
http://www.muggyweld.com/colortest.html
Metal Identification http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14250/css/14250_21.htm
Metal Properties
http://www.angelfire.com/my/welding/metal.html