Question

Describe the general characteristics of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

Short answer

Metals are typically lustrous, malleable, ductile, and conductive to both heat and electricity, with high melting points and generally solid at room temperature. They tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions and are found on the left side and middle of the periodic table. Nonmetals are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity, more brittle than metals, and may be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature. They gain or share electrons in chemical reactions and are located on the right side of the periodic table. Metalloids have intermediate properties between metals and nonmetals, being usually brittle and exhibiting semiconducting electrical conductivity. They can form both ionic and covalent compounds and are found along the zig-zag line running through the periodic table.

Step-by-step solution

1. Metals

Metals are elements that are typically lustrous, malleable, ductile and conductive to both heat and electricity. They usually have a high melting point and are solid at room temperature, except mercury which is liquid. Metals tend to lose electrons in a chemical reaction to form positive ions or cations. Metals are found on the left side and the middle of the periodic table.

2. Nonmetals

Nonmetals are elements that are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. They usually have low melting points and are more brittle than metals. Nonmetals may be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature. In chemical reactions, nonmetals generally gain or share electrons to form negative ions, molecules or covalent compounds. Nonmetals are located on the right side of the periodic table, with the exception of hydrogen which is on the left side.

3. Metalloids

Metalloids, also known as semi-metals, are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are typically brittle and exhibit intermediate or semiconducting electrical conductivity. Metalloids can form both ionic and covalent compounds. Some common metalloids include silicon, germanium, and arsenic. Metalloids can be found along the zig-zag line running through the periodic table, separating metals and nonmetals.

Key concepts

Metals

Metals are a fascinating group of elements, known for their shiny appearance or luster. They possess qualities like malleability, meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets, and ductility, which allows them to be drawn into wires.
Metalloids usually conduct electricity and heat efficiently, making them essential in various applications such as wiring and cookware. At room temperature, most metals are solid, with mercury as a unique exception since it is liquid. This characteristic helps in identifying metals easily.

Metals also tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions, forming positive ions known as cations. Their ability to give up electrons makes them excellent conductors and defines their position on the left and center of the periodic table. Here, you'll find various metals, from iron and aluminum to rare earth elements.

Nonmetals

Nonmetals offer characteristics quite distinct from metals. Instead of shining or conducting electricity well, nonmetals are generally poor conductors. This makes them invaluable in insulation and processes where electricity and heat conduction need to be minimal.
Nonmetals display a wide range of physical states at room temperature, showing up as solids, liquids, and gases. For instance, oxygen is a gas, while bromine is a liquid, and sulfur is a solid.

In chemical reactions, nonmetals are more likely to gain electrons, forming negative ions or sharing them to create covalent compounds. This electron affinity gives them a significant role in chemical bonding, especially in organic chemistry. On the periodic table, nonmetals are typically found on the right side, except for hydrogen, which stands alone on the left.

Metalloids

Metalloids, often called semimetals, sit between metals and nonmetals on the periodic table and embody a mix of attributes from both. They usually appear brittle and are colored, with an ability to conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as efficiently as metals.
This semiconducting behavior makes metalloids crucial in the electronics industry, especially elements like silicon, which are integral to computer chips and other digital devices.

Besides their physical properties, metalloids participate in various chemical reactions, forming both ionic and covalent compounds. Their strategic position along the zig-zag line on the periodic table acts as a boundary, showcasing their transitional nature. Metalloids can stabilize reactions involving both metals and nonmetals, thanks to their versatile chemical behavior.