Question

An unknown element is shiny and is found to be a good conductor of electricity. What other properties would you predict for it?

Short answer

The element is likely malleable, ductile, and a good thermal conductor, with high melting and boiling points.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify Known Properties

The element is shiny and a good conductor of electricity.

- Relate to Element Groups

Shiny appearance and good electrical conductivity are characteristic properties of metals.

- Predict Additional Properties

Given that the element is likely a metal, predict other typical metal properties: malleability (can be hammered into thin sheets), ductility (can be drawn into wires), high melting and boiling points, and good thermal conductivity.

Key concepts

malleability

Malleability is one of the common properties of metals. It refers to the ability of a material to be deformed under compressive stress. In simpler terms, malleable materials can be hammered, rolled, or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. This property is essential for various industrial applications such as shaping and forming metals into desired shapes for manufacturing.
Some examples of malleable metals are:

• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Aluminum

Malleability allows these metals to be used in everything from jewelry to automotive parts, contributing significantly to their versatility and usage in everyday life.

ductility

Ductility is another characteristic property of metals. It indicates a material's ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Ductility is essential for creating metal wires and cables, which are fundamental in electrical and construction industries.
Metals like copper, aluminum, and platinum are known for their high ductility. Copper wires, for example, are widely used in electrical wiring due to their excellent ductility and conductivity.
Understanding ductility helps in choosing the right materials for applications needing metal wires, ensuring durability and performance.

thermal conductivity

Metals are well-known for their high thermal conductivity. This means they can efficiently transfer heat. This property arises because the metal atoms are closely packed and the electrons can move freely, thus enabling rapid heat transfer.
Applications of metals with high thermal conductivity include:

• Cookware (like pots and pans)
• Heat sinks (used in computers and electronic devices)
• Radiators

Good thermal conductivity ensures that these products perform effectively in their respective tasks, such as even cooking or proper heat dissipation.

high melting points

Metals generally exhibit high melting points, meaning they need to be heated to very high temperatures before they become liquid. This property is due to the strong bonds between metal atoms.
Some metals known for their high melting points include:

• Tungsten
• Iron
• Nickel
• Platinum

Metals with high melting points are used in applications that require materials to withstand extreme heat, such as in construction, manufacturing machinery, and aerospace engineering components. This characteristic ensures the stability and durability of products under high-temperature conditions.