Question

Identify each of the following as a metal, a nonmetal, \(\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. oxygen }} & {\text { c. germanium }} \\ {\text { b. barium }} & {\text { d. iron }}\end{array}\)

Short answer

a. Oxygen (O) - nonmetal b. Barium (Ba) - metal c. Germanium (Ge) - metalloid d. Iron (Fe) - metal

Step-by-step solution

Identify the classification of oxygen

First, you must find the position of oxygen in the periodic table. Oxygen (O) is located in Group 16, Period 2, and it is a member of the chalcogen family. Oxygen is a nonmetal due to its high electronegativity value and large number of valence electrons, which means that it tends to gain electrons when forming compounds. Thus, you can classify oxygen as a nonmetal.

Identify the classification of barium

Next, locate barium on the periodic table. Barium (Ba) is found in Group 2, Period 6, and it is an alkaline earth metal. Barium, like other metals in Group 2, has two valence electrons and tends to lose them when forming compounds. This characteristic, along with its metallic properties like high conductivity and malleability, makes barium a metal.

Identify the classification of germanium

Now, find the position of germanium in the periodic table. Germanium (Ge) is located in Group 14, Period 4. Germanium shares characteristics of both metals and nonmetals, which means that it is considered a metalloid. Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. Germanium has a shiny appearance and is a good conductor of electricity, but it also exhibits brittle behavior.

Identify the classification of iron

Finally, determine the position of iron on the periodic table. Iron (Fe) is found in Group 8, Period 4, and is a member of the transition metal family. Iron has typical metallic properties such as a shiny appearance, high conductivity, and malleability. As a result, iron is classified as a metal. In conclusion, the classifications of the given elements are: a. Oxygen (O) - nonmetal b. Barium (Ba) - metal c. Germanium (Ge) - metalloid d. Iron (Fe) - metal

Key concepts

Metals

Metals are primarily located on the left side and in the middle of the periodic table. They are known for a set of specific characteristics that make them distinct from other elements. Common properties of metals include:

• Shiny appearance: Most metals have a lustrous finish, making them look bright and shiny.
• High electrical and thermal conductivity: Metals easily allow electricity and heat to pass through them, which is why they are often used in electrical wires and cooking utensils.
• Malleability: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.
• Ductility: Metallic elements can be drawn into wires without snapping.

These properties are primarily due to the presence of free electrons in the outer shell of metal atoms. Metals, such as iron (Fe) and barium (Ba), often lose electrons during chemical reactions, forming cations. This tendency of metals to lose electrons is a defining feature of their chemical behavior.

Nonmetals

Nonmetals appear on the right side of the periodic table and possess characteristics that are quite different from metals. Their common properties include:

• High electronegativity: Nonmetals tend to attract electrons towards themselves when they form compounds.
• Poor conductivity: They are poor conductors of heat and electricity, which makes them good insulators.
• Brittleness: Nonmetals are typically brittle when solid, and shatter easily.
• Lack of luster: Unlike metals, nonmetals do not have a shiny appearance.

An example of a nonmetal is oxygen (O). Oxygen is essential for the respiration processes of most life forms on Earth and participates actively in combustion reactions and water formation by gaining electrons.

Metalloids

Metalloids are elemental chameleons in the periodic table. They are found in a stair-step line that separates metals and nonmetals. Metalloids, like germanium (Ge), display properties of both metals and nonmetals, including:

• Semi-conductivity: Metalloids can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals, which is why they're crucial in electronics as semiconductors.
• Intermediate luster: Some metalloids, like silicon, have a shiny, metallic appearance.
• Amphoteric behavior: Metalloids can act as either an acid or a base depending on the reacting substance.

These hybrid characteristics make metalloids incredibly valuable in technology, especially in the production of electronic devices like computers and smartphones.