Question

Classify each element as a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid. (a) \(\mathrm{Sr}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Mg}\) (c) \(\mathrm{F}\) (d) \(\mathrm{N}\) (e) As

Short answer

Strontium (Sr) and Magnesium (Mg) are metals; Fluorine (F) and Nitrogen (N) are nonmetals; Arsenic (As) is a metalloid.

Step-by-step solution

Consult the Periodic Table

Find the location of the given elements on the periodic table to determine their classification. Elements toward the left and center are typically metals, elements on the right (except for the noble gases) are typically nonmetals, and elements that lie along the staircase between metals and nonmetals are typically metalloids.

Classify Strontium (Sr)

Locate strontium (Sr) on the periodic table. It is in Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), which are all metals.

Classify Magnesium (Mg)

Locate magnesium (Mg) on the periodic table. Like Sr, Mg is also in Group 2 and is classified as a metal.

Classify Fluorine (F)

Find fluorine (F) on the periodic table. It is in Group 17 (halogens) which are all nonmetals.

Classify Nitrogen (N)

Look for nitrogen (N) on the periodic table. It is found in Group 15 and is classified as a nonmetal.

Classify Arsenic (As)

Identify arsenic (As) on the periodic table. It is located along the staircase that typically signifies metalloids and is thus classified as a metalloid.

Key concepts

Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Understanding the differences between metals, nonmetals, and metalloids is a foundational aspect of chemistry. Let's explore these classifications based on certain characteristics and their location on the periodic table.

Metals are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, and they can be hammered into thin sheets or drawn into wires. They tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, forming positive ions. Most of the elements on the periodic table are metals, and they are generally located to the left and in the center.

Nonmetals, on the other hand, are often dull in appearance and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They tend to gain electrons during chemical reactions. Nonmetals are found on the upper right side of the periodic table, except for hydrogen, which is located at the top left.

Metalloids have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. These elements can act like metals under certain conditions and like nonmetals under others. Metalloids are found along the zigzag 'staircase' border between metals and nonmetals on the periodic table.

Periodic Table Groups

The periodic table is a systematic way of arranging the chemical elements. It's composed of rows called periods and columns known as groups. Understanding the periodic table's group structure aids in predicting various element properties and their behaviors during chemical reactions.

Elements in the same group typically have similar chemical properties, because they have the same number of electrons in their outermost shell, also known as valence electrons. For instance, Group 1 elements (alkali metals) are highly reactive metals, while Group 17 elements (halogens) are reactive nonmetals. Discovering the group of an element provides valuable information about that element’s reactivity, the types of bonds it will form, and its state at room temperature.

Chemical Element Properties

The distinct properties of chemical elements define their role in various chemical processes and their real-world applications. These properties include physical characteristics such as state of matter, melting and boiling points, density, and malleability, as well as chemical properties like reactivity, electronegativity, and ionization energies.

Understanding an element's properties allows scientists and engineers to predict how that element will behave under different conditions and in combination with other elements. For instance, knowing that fluorine (F) has a high electronegativity and reactivity helps explain why it forms compounds with nearly any other element. By exploring an element's location on the periodic table and its electron configuration, we can better grasp the reasons behind these properties.