Chapter 7: Problem 5
Classify each of the following elements as a metal, a nonmetal, or a metalloid: As, \(\mathrm{Xe}, \mathrm{Fe}, \mathrm{Li}, \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{Cl}, \mathrm{Ba}, \mathrm{P}, \mathrm{I}, \mathrm{Si}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
As, B, Si are metalloids; Xe, Cl, P, I are nonmetals; Fe, Li, Ba are metals.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Periodic Table Element Categories
Understand that elements are categorized into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties. Metals are usually good conductors of heat and electricity, nonmetals are poor conductors, and metalloids have intermediate properties.
02
Locate Each Element on Periodic Table
Arsenic (As), Xenon (Xe), Iron (Fe), Lithium (Li), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Barium (Ba), Phosphorus (P), Iodine (I), and Silicon (Si) are the elements to be classified. Refer to the periodic table to determine which group each element belongs to.
03
Classify Metals
Iron (Fe), Lithium (Li), and Barium (Ba) are metals. Metals are generally located on the left side and towards the center of the periodic table.
04
Classify Nonmetals
Xenon (Xe), Chlorine (Cl), Phosphorus (P), and Iodine (I) are nonmetals. Nonmetals are typically found on the right side of the periodic table.
05
Classify Metalloids
Arsenic (As), Boron (B), and Silicon (Si) are metalloids. Metalloids are found between metals and nonmetals on the periodic table along the 'staircase' line.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Metals
Metals are a fundamental group of elements found primarily on the left side and towards the center of the periodic table. They make up about three-quarters of all known elements. Recognized for their shiny appearance, metals are usually excellent conductors of both heat and electricity. This makes them invaluable for a wide range of applications, from constructing buildings to creating electronics.
One key characteristic of metals is their ability to conduct electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons. This is why metals like copper and aluminum are widely used in electrical wiring. Additionally, metals are often malleable, which means they can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking. This malleability is beneficial in manufacturing everything from car bodies to household appliances.
Some common metals include:
One key characteristic of metals is their ability to conduct electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons. This is why metals like copper and aluminum are widely used in electrical wiring. Additionally, metals are often malleable, which means they can be hammered into thin sheets without breaking. This malleability is beneficial in manufacturing everything from car bodies to household appliances.
Some common metals include:
- Iron (Fe) - Essential in construction and manufacturing due to its strength.
- Lithium (Li) - Used in rechargeable batteries, especially for electronics.
- Barium (Ba) - Often used in medical procedures and producing glass.
Nonmetals
Nonmetals, found on the right side of the periodic table, are known for being poor conductors of heat and electricity. This group of elements varies greatly in appearance, with some being gases, liquids, or brittle solids at room temperature. Nonmetals have a diverse range of applications, but they are particularly important in biological processes.
The physical properties of nonmetals stand in stark contrast to those of metals. For instance, nonmetals do not have the shiny luster typical of metals, and they are not malleable or ductile. Instead, nonmetals like sulfur or phosphorus are more apt to fracture when struck.
The physical properties of nonmetals stand in stark contrast to those of metals. For instance, nonmetals do not have the shiny luster typical of metals, and they are not malleable or ductile. Instead, nonmetals like sulfur or phosphorus are more apt to fracture when struck.
- Xenon (Xe) - A noble gas used in light production and anesthesia.
- Chlorine (Cl) - Used in water purification and the production of household cleaning products.
- Phosphorus (P) - Essential for life, playing a critical role in DNA and cellular function.
- Iodine (I) - Vital for thyroid health and commonly used as an antiseptic.
Metalloids
Metalloids are elements that share properties with both metals and nonmetals. They form a distinct category located along a zigzag or "staircase" line on the periodic table. This unique placement is due to their intermediate electrical conductivity, which makes them incredibly valuable in the semiconductor industry.
Metalloids are typically used in electronics, mechanical industries, and even in simple chemical reactions. They are not as malleable as metals but are more lustrous than nonmetals, falling somewhere in between regarding their physical properties.
Metalloids are typically used in electronics, mechanical industries, and even in simple chemical reactions. They are not as malleable as metals but are more lustrous than nonmetals, falling somewhere in between regarding their physical properties.
- Arsenic (As) - Utilized in the production of semiconductors and in lead alloys.
- Boron (B) - An important element in glass and ceramics manufacturing, as well as in detergents.
- Silicon (Si) - The backbone of the computer industry, heavily used in semiconductors and solar panels.