Question

What are some of the physical properties that distinguish the metallic elements from the nonmetals? Are these properties absolute, or do some nonmetallic elements exhibit some metallic properties (and vice versa)?

Short answer

Metallic elements are generally solid, shiny, ductile, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity with high melting and boiling points. Nonmetallic elements are usually dull, brittle in solid state, and poor conductors of heat and electricity with low melting and boiling points. However, these properties are not absolute, as some elements like silicon, germanium, and boron exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic properties and are classified as metalloids or semimetals.

Step-by-step solution

Define Metallic Elements and Nonmetallic Elements

Metals are elements that are typically solid at room temperature, have a shiny appearance, and are good conductors of electricity and heat. Some common examples include iron, copper, and gold. Nonmetals, on the other hand, can be solids, liquids, or gases, and generally have low electrical and thermal conductivity. Examples of nonmetals include oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

List Physical Properties of Metallic Elements

Some of the main physical properties that distinguish metallic elements from nonmetals include: 1. Luster: Metallic elements often have a shiny appearance. 2. Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires without breaking. 3. Malleability: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. 4. Good conductors of heat and electricity: Metals are generally good conductors of both heat and electricity due to their free-moving electrons. 5. High melting and boiling points: Most metals have relatively high melting and boiling points compared to nonmetals.

List Physical Properties of Nonmetallic Elements

Some of the main physical properties that distinguish nonmetallic elements from metals include: 1. Dull appearance: Nonmetals generally lack the shiny, lustrous appearance of metals. 2. Brittle in solid state: Solid nonmetals are usually brittle, meaning they break or shatter easily when subjected to stress or force. 3. Poor conductors of heat and electricity: Nonmetals typically have low electrical and thermal conductivity due to their lack of free-moving electrons. 4. Low melting and boiling points: Most nonmetals have relatively low melting and boiling points compared to metals.

Discuss the Absolute/Relative Nature of the Properties

While the physical properties listed above can be used to generally distinguish between metallic and nonmetallic elements, these properties are not absolute. Some elements exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals and are classified as metalloids or semimetals. Examples of such elements include silicon, germanium, and boron. These elements may exhibit properties such as electrical conductivity that falls between that of metals and nonmetals, and may have a shiny or dull appearance depending on their form. In conclusion, there are several physical properties that generally differentiate metallic elements from nonmetallic elements. However, these properties are not absolute, and some elements exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals.