Chapter 8, Problem 8.5QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The elements, $\text{As, Xe, Fe, Li, B,}\text{Cl, Ba, P, I, Si}$ has to be identified as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids.

Concept Introduction:

According to physical and chemical properties, the elements can be further divided into metals, non-metals and metalloids.

In a group, the metallic character of an element increases from top to bottom whereas in a period, it decreases from left to right.

Metals are elements that usually contain 1-3 outer shell electrons. Metals look shining and lustrous and are malleable and ductile. They are also good conductors of heat and electricity. They have low ionization energy and tend to lose electrons forming cations. They are most likely to form ionic compounds.

Nonmetals are elements that usually contain 4-8 outer shell electrons. They cannot conduct heat and electricity and are brittle. Also they have high electron affinities and tend to gain electrons forming anions. They are most likely to form molecular compounds.

Metalloids are elements having intermediate properties of metals and nonmetals. Comparing to metals, metalloids are poor conductors but under certain conditions they can act as electrical conductors. They look shining and lustrous like metals yet they are brittle like nonmetals.

The classification elements in the periodic table as metals, nonmetals, or metalloids can be given as