Chapter 7, Problem 5QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The elements are to be classified as metals, non-metals or metalloids.

Concept Introduction:

Metals: Most elements are metals. They are usually shiny, very dense, and only melt at high temperatures. Metals are malleable and ductile. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Metals are usually placed on left hand side of the periodic table.

Non-Metals: Non-Metals are placed on the right side of the periodic table. Their surface is dull and they are bad conductors of heat and electricity. They have low density and will melt at low temperatures. They are brittle and non- ductile.

Metalloids: Examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, and arsenic. Metalloids have some of the properties of metals and some nonmetallic characteristic. They are placed on a zigzag line between metal and nonmetals in the periodic table. The characteristics of metalloids are as following:

dull or shiny

usually conduct heat and electricity, though not as well as metals

often make good semiconductors

often exist in several forms

often ductile

often malleable

may gain or lose electrons in reactions