Questions and Answers
What is a metal?
Where are metals found on the Periodic Table?
Left side of the zig-zag line
What characterizes a nonmetal?
Where are nonmetals located on the Periodic Table?
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What defines a metalloid?
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What is a physical property?
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What is conductivity?
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What describes luster?
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What does malleability describe?
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What is ductility?
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What is density in relation to metals and nonmetals?
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What does brittle mean?
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Study Notes
Metals
- Typically hard, shiny solids that possess high density.
- Malleable and excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
- Most elements are metals, located on the left side of the zig-zag line on the Periodic Table.
Nonmetals
- Commonly exist as gases at room temperature, with some being solids like phosphorus and sulfur.
- Generally brittle, lacking malleability and ductility.
- Poor conductors of heat and electricity; appear dull.
- Positioned to the right of the zig-zag line on the Periodic Table.
Metalloids
- Exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals, acting as a bridge between the two.
- Can be either brittle or malleable and function as semiconductors.
- Found directly on or near the zig-zag line on the Periodic Table.
Physical Properties
- Observable characteristics without altering the substance, such as size, shape, and luster.
- Include attributes like conductivity, malleability, and magnetic attraction.
Conductivity
- Refers to the efficiency with which a substance transfers thermal energy (heat) and electricity.
- Metals are identified as good conductors; conductivity testing is done using a tester that lights up if the material conducts well.
Luster
- Describes the surface quality of minerals in reflecting light.
- Can be categorized as lustrous (shiny like aluminum) or non-metallic (dull like charcoal).
Malleability
- Indicates how easily a material can be rolled or hammered into thin sheets.
- Metals are highly malleable; aluminum serves as a common example.
Ductility
- Defines the capacity of a material to be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
- Metals, such as copper used for electrical wiring, demonstrate high ductility.
Density
- Describes the mass of a substance relative to its size.
- Metals typically have a high density, while nonmetals are lower in density; illustrated by comparing a golf ball to a ping pong ball.
Brittleness
- Indicates the likelihood of a material to break, snap, or crack under pressure.
- Commonly associated with non-metals like charcoal or rocks.
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Test your knowledge of elements including metals, non-metals, and metalloids with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition and key characteristics to help you understand the differences between these categories of elements.