Question

Classify the following elements as metals or non-metals.
Mg Si Rn
Ti Ge Eu
Au B Am
Bi At Br
b. The distinction between metals and non-metals is really not a clear one. Some elements, called metalloids, are intermediate in their properties. Which of these elements would you reclassify as metalloids? What other elements in the periodic table would you expect to be metalloids?

Short answer

Metals are Mg, Eu, Ti, Bi, Au, Mg and Am whereas Non-metals are Si, Br, Rn and At. Metalloids can be listed as B, Si, Ge, Te, Sb and As.

Step-by-step solution

Statement of metals

The elements which are given up electrons are metals. These ductile, malleable, shiny and good conductors. Metals can be listed as Bi, Ti, Au, Mg, Ge, Eu and Am.

Statement of non-metals

The electrons which are accepted are considered as non-metals. They do not possess the metallic characteristics are considered as non-metals. These can be listed as At, B, Si, Br and Rn.

Statement of non-metals

The elements which has some properties of both non-metals and metals. Metalloids are Ge, Si, B, Te, Sb and As.