Identify the following samples as metals or non-metals and describe their characteristic properties: A (nail/iron), B (copper), C (sulphur), and D (carbon/charcoal).

Based on general properties, samples A (nail/iron) and B (copper) are metals. Samples C (sulphur) and D (carbon/charcoal) are non-metals.

Iron (A) is identified as a metal due to the following properties:

• Appearance: Silvery-grey and lustrous.
• Malleability/Ductility: It is malleable (can be hammered into sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
• Conductivity: It is a good conductor of electricity.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water.

Copper (B) is identified as a metal due to the following properties:

• Appearance: Reddish-brown and lustrous.
• Malleability/Ductility: It is malleable and ductile.
• Conductivity: It is a good conductor of electricity.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water.

Sulphur (C) is identified as a non-metal due to the following properties:

• Appearance: Yellow and dull.
• Malleability/Ductility: It is brittle (breaks easily, not malleable or ductile).
• Conductivity: It is a poor conductor of electricity.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water.

Carbon (D) is identified as a non-metal due to the following properties:

• Appearance: Black and dull.
• Malleability/Ductility: It is brittle.
• Conductivity: It is a poor conductor of electricity.
• Solubility: It is insoluble in water.