Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: zacp_19 on May 08, 2007, 06:41:17 AM

Title: How to test what metal i have?
Post by: zacp_19 on May 08, 2007, 06:41:17 AM
Ok genious', this is a tough, one i assure you. My Dad is a chemical engineer and still couldn't help me :o lol.

I am meant to design and complete a prac which, if followed will allow me to identify what metals i am given in class. I don't have access to very high tech instruments (which is what stumped my dad) just the basic school equipment.

Help is much appreciated.
Title: Re: How to test what metal i have?
Post by: Borek on May 08, 2007, 08:30:15 AM
You probably have more information - for example you are only limited to some subset of metals, and they will be in relatively pure form. Do you think your school have neodymium sample? I bet not :)
Title: Re: How to test what metal i have?
Post by: zacp_19 on May 08, 2007, 07:13:40 PM
No more information is given to us. My teacher is a bit of a looney tune and this is one of the many bizare things he has done. No one in the class has a clue. i don't even know what neodymium is. keep trying guys. I don't reckon any of you can get this, and that is a challenge.
Title: Re: How to test what metal i have?
Post by: constant thinker on May 08, 2007, 09:38:00 PM
Neodymium is used for extremely strong rare earth magnets. It's a pretty cool element if you ask me.

You could try testing magnetic properties.
Reactivity to certain acids.
Color (even though it it's qualitative).
Reactivity to water (although I doubt you'll work with any alkali metals in their elemental state).
Flame test.
Melting points (you can melt some metals with a bunsen burner).

Just list off different properties that are different between metals.