Question

State whether each of the following properties is more typical of a metal or a nonmetal: (a) shiny solid (b) brittle solid (c) low density (d) forms alloys

Short answer

(a) Metal, (b) Nonmetal, (c) Nonmetal, (d) Metal.

Step-by-step solution

Classify Shiny Solid

Metals are generally known for their luster and shiny appearance. Hence, a shiny solid is more typical of a metal.

Classify Brittle Solid

Nonmetals are often brittle and break easily when in solid form. Thus, a brittle solid is more typical of a nonmetal.

Classify Low Density

Nonmetals usually have lower densities compared to metals. Therefore, low density is more typical of a nonmetal.

Classify Forms Alloys

Metals are known for their ability to form alloys, which are mixtures of two or more metallic elements. Consequently, forming alloys is more typical of a metal.

Key concepts

metallic properties

Metals have distinct properties that make them unique and highly useful in various industries and everyday applications. One primary characteristic of metals is their **luster**. This means metals such as gold, silver, and aluminum have a shiny appearance. This shiny quality is due to the way metals reflect light, which makes them aesthetically pleasing for jewelry and architectural designs.

Another important property of metals is their **ductility** and **malleability**. Ductility refers to the ability of metals to be drawn into wires without breaking. Malleability, on the other hand, allows metals to be hammered or pressed into different shapes without cracking. These qualities are crucial in manufacturing processes that require materials to be reshaped or molded.

Furthermore, metals are excellent **conductors of heat and electricity**. This makes them ideal for electrical wiring and components in electronics. Copper, for instance, is widely used for electrical wiring due to its superb conductivity. Additionally, most metals, such as iron and steel, are known for their **high density** and **strength**, making them suitable for constructing buildings, bridges, and machinery.

nonmetal properties

Nonmetals exhibit different properties from metals, largely due to their varied structural characteristics. A prominent feature of nonmetals is their **brittleness** in solid form. This means they tend to break or shatter easily, unlike metals which are typically malleable. For example, the element sulfur is brittle and crumbles upon applying pressure. This brittleness is one reason why nonmetals are less utilized in structural applications compared to metals.

Nonmetals usually have **low density**, meaning they are lighter in weight. Elements like hydrogen, helium, and nitrogen are perfect examples of low-density nonmetals. This reduced density makes some nonmetals valuable in applications where weight constraints are critical, such as in aeronautics.

In addition to density and brittleness, nonmetals are generally poor **conductors of heat and electricity**. This property makes them suitable insulators. Materials like rubber and plastic, which are made from nonmetallic elements, are widely used to coat electrical wires and devices to prevent the conduction of electricity.

alloys

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. Alloys are engineered to enhance certain properties of metals, making them stronger, more durable, or resistant to corrosion.

The primary reason for creating alloys is to acquire **desirable properties** that pure metals cannot offer. For example, **steel**, an alloy of iron combined with carbon, is significantly stronger than pure iron. This makes it invaluable in construction and manufacturing. Similarly, **bronze**, an alloy of copper and tin, boasts increased hardness and tensile strength over copper alone.

Alloys can also be tailor-made to exhibit varying levels of **conductivity**, **magnetic**, or **corrosion-resistant** properties. Stainless steel, which includes chromium, is resistant to rust, making it ideal for kitchenware and surgical instruments. The ability to customize an alloy for specific requirements makes them indispensable in technology and industry.

Furthermore, alloys are often developed to achieve a balance between **weight and strength**. Aluminum alloys are a perfect example where lightweight properties are crucial, such as in the automotive or aerospace sectors, where reducing weight improves fuel efficiency.