Question

Suppose element X is a poor conductor of electricity and breaks when hit with a hammer. Element Z is a good conductor of electricity and heat. In what area of the periodic table does each element most likely belong?

Short answer

Element X is likely a nonmetal in groups 14-18, and element Z is likely a metal in groups 1-12.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify Properties of Element X

Element X is described as a poor conductor of electricity and breaks when hit with a hammer. These properties are typical of nonmetals. Nonmetals are usually brittle and do not conduct electricity well.

- Locate Nonmetals on the Periodic Table

Nonmetals are typically found on the right side of the periodic table, except for hydrogen which is placed at the top left. Specific groups that contain nonmetals include groups 14 to 18.

- Identify Properties of Element Z

Element Z is described as a good conductor of electricity and heat. These properties are characteristic of metals. Metals are generally good conductors and have high malleability and ductility.

- Locate Metals on the Periodic Table

Metals are primarily located on the left side and in the center of the periodic table. This includes the groups 1 through 12 and also some elements in groups 13 to 16.

- Conclude the Likely Areas

Given the typical properties, Element X is likely a nonmetal found on the right side of the periodic table, particularly in groups 14 to 18. Element Z is likely a metal found on the left side or center of the periodic table in groups 1 to 12.

Key concepts

Nonmetals

Nonmetals have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from metals. They are usually poor conductors of electricity and heat. Most nonmetals are brittle, so they break or shatter easily when hit with a hammer.
Nonmetals are found on the right side of the periodic table.

• Groups 14 to 18 contain nonmetals.
• Hydrogen, although placed at the top left, is also a nonmetal.

Nonmetals can be gases, like oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N), or solids, like sulfur (S) and carbon (C). Nonmetals have varied appearances and are not shiny like metals. These properties make nonmetals essential in various chemical reactions and vital for life as we know it.

Metals

Metals are known for their excellent conductivity and often serve as conductors of electricity and heat in numerous applications. They exhibit malleability, meaning they can be hammered into thin sheets, and ductility, which means they can be drawn into wires.
Most metals are shiny and have a high density.

• Metals occupy the left side and the center of the periodic table.
• Groups 1 to 12 include most metals.
• Some metals are also found in groups 13 to 16.

Examples of metals include iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and gold (Au). These elements are crucial in construction, electronics, and many everyday items because of their robustness and durability.

Periodic Table Groups

The periodic table is organized into vertical columns known as groups. Each group contains elements with similar chemical properties due to having the same number of electrons in their outermost shell.
For instance:

• Group 1 elements (alkali metals) are highly reactive and have one electron in their outer shell.
• Group 17 elements (halogens) are very reactive nonmetals and have seven electrons in their outer shell.
• Group 18 elements (noble gases) are inert and have a complete outer electron shell.

Groups are numbered from 1 to 18, and their properties are essential to predict the behavior of the elements in chemical reactions. Understanding these groups helps in identifying the similarities and differences among the elements, leading to a better grasp of their practical applications.