Question

Identify each of the following elements as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid: (a) gallium, (b) molybdenum, (c) tellurium, (d) arsenic, (e) xenon, (f) ruthenium.

Short answer

(a) Gallium (Ga) is a metal, (b) Molybdenum (Mo) is a metal, (c) Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid, (d) Arsenic (As) is a metalloid, (e) Xenon (Xe) is a nonmetal, (f) Ruthenium (Ru) is a metal.

Step-by-step solution

Locate the elements on the periodic table

To identify whether they are metals, nonmetals, or metalloids, locate each element on the periodic table as shown: (a) Gallium (Ga): Group 13, Period 4 (b) Molybdenum (Mo): Group 6, Period 5 (c) Tellurium (Te): Group 16, Period 5 (d) Arsenic (As): Group 15, Period 4 (e) Xenon (Xe): Group 18, Period 5 (f) Ruthenium (Ru): Group 8, Period 5

Categorize the elements based on their position

Given the positions of these elements on the periodic table, we can now identify whether they are metals, nonmetals, or metalloids by analyzing their location on the table. (a) Gallium (Ga): Group 13, Period 4 - This element is located on the left side of the metalloid staircase, so it is a metal. (b) Molybdenum (Mo): Group 6, Period 5 - This element is well to the left of the metalloid staircase, so it is a metal. (c) Tellurium (Te): Group 16, Period 5 - This element is located directly under Selenium along the metalloid staircase, so it is a metalloid. (d) Arsenic (As): Group 15, Period 4 - This element is located directly under Phosphorus along the metalloid staircase, so it is a metalloid. (e) Xenon (Xe): Group 18, Period 5 - This element is a noble gas, and it is located on the far right of the table, so it is a nonmetal. (f) Ruthenium (Ru): Group 8, Period 5 - This element is well to the left of the metalloid staircase, so it is a metal.

State the element classifications

Based on steps 1 and 2, the following classifications can be made: (a) Gallium (Ga) is a metal, (b) Molybdenum (Mo) is a metal, (c) Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid, (d) Arsenic (As) is a metalloid, (e) Xenon (Xe) is a nonmetal, (f) Ruthenium (Ru) is a metal.

Key concepts

Metals

Metals are elements that are typically shiny and good conductors of heat and electricity. They have a propensity to lose electrons during chemical reactions, forming positive ions. On the periodic table, metals are found on the left side and stretch across to the middle.

A key characteristic of metals is their malleability, which means they can be hammered or bent into different shapes without breaking. They are usually ductile too, allowing them to be stretched into thin wires.

Some common examples include:

• Gallium (Ga) - Known for melting in your hand as it has a melting point that's just above room temperature.
• Molybdenum (Mo) - Important in steel alloy production due to its high melting point and strength.
• Ruthenium (Ru) - Often used in electronics and jewelry for its protective qualities.

Nonmetals

Nonmetals are found on the far right side of the periodic table. Unlike metals, nonmetals are not shiny and are poor conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to gain electrons during chemical reactions, forming negative ions.

Generally, nonmetals are brittle if solid, and many are gases at room temperature. This wide range of states leads to diverse chemical behaviors. Nonmetals form many kinds of compounds, from the water we drink to the oxygen we breathe.

Some key examples include:

• Xenon (Xe) - A noble gas, which is chemically inert under most conditions.
• Carbon (C) - The backbone of life, forming the basis of organic chemistry.
• Nitrogen (N) - A major component of air and critical for plant growth.

Metalloids

Metalloids hold properties between those of metals and nonmetals. They are located along the staircase line on the periodic table. Metalloids can exhibit mixed properties that make them incredibly useful in various industries.

One of the most fascinating aspects of metalloids is their semiconductive abilities. This means they conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals. This property is crucial for making electronic components like transistors and diodes.

Notable examples in this category include:

• Tellurium (Te) - Used in semiconductors and thermoelectric materials.
• Arsenic (As) - Known for its applications in electronics and glassmaking.
• Silicon (Si) - The cornerstone of the computer chip industry due to its semiconducting properties.

Metalloids are unique for their versatility and invaluable role in technological advancements.