Chapter 11.4, Problem 5RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The chemical property that distinguishes a metal from a nonmetal is to be determined.

Concept introduction: The appearance of metals is generally lustrous, they have the ability to change shape without breaking and they are good conductor of heat and electricity. Nonmetals do not have these physical properties, although some exceptions are there.

Answer to Problem 5RQ

Metals reacts with acid easily and nonmetal doesn’t react with acid.

Explanation of Solution

Metal reacts with acid easily and hydrogen is displaced from the acid solution.

  $\text{Zn}+2\text{HCl}\to {\text{ZnCl}}_2+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$

Nonmetal do not react with acids.

  $\text{Non}\text{metal}+\text{HCl}\to \text{No}\text{reaction}$