Q. 4.11 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify each of the following elements as a metal, a nonmetal, or a metalloid:
 a. calcium
 b. sulfur
 c. a shiny element
 d. an element that is a gas at room temperature
 e. located in Group  (18)
 f. bromine
 g. boron
 h. silver

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a)Calcium is metal.

(b)Sulphur is nonmetal.

(c)A shiny element is metal.

(d)Element that is gas at room temperature is nonmetal.

(e)Group $18$ element is nonmetal.

(f)Bromine is nonmetal.

(g)Boron is metalloid.

(h)Silver is metal.

Part(a) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Calcium

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(a) Step2: Simplify.

Calcium is metal.

• Essential for bones, teeth.
• Located in group $2$
• Helps in maintaining regular heartbeat, contracting muscles, etc. 

Part(b) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Sulphur.

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(b) Step2 : Simplify.

Sulphur is nonmetal.

• Play role as an antioxidant and anti inflammatory.
• Important for treatment for muscles and joint pain.

Part(c) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

A shiny element.

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid.

Part(c) Step2 : Simplify.

Shiny element is metal. 

• It is property of metals.
• Metals have free electrons which reflect light and hence give shiny appearance .

Part(d) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

 An element that is a gas at room temperature .

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid 

Part(d) Step2 : Simplify.

 An element that is a gas at room temperature  is nonmetal.

Part(e) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Group$=18$

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid  .

Part(e) Step2 : Simplify.

Group $18$ element are nonmetal.

• These elements are gases and chemically unreactive.
• These noble gases have largest ionization energies.
• They have high melting point, boiling point, solubility.

Part(f) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Bromine.

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid  .

Part(f) Step2 : Simplify.

Bromine is nonmetal.

• It evaporates easily at room temperature.
• Used in pesticides, gasoline additives, etc.

Part(g) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Boron.

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid  .

Part(g) Step 2 : Simplify.

Boron is metalloid.

• It acts as conductor at high temperature and insulator at low temperature.
• It is electron deficient .

Part(h) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Silver.

We need to identify whether the given element is metal, nonmetal or metalloid  .

Part(h) Step2 : Simplify.

Silver is metal. 

• Used in making jewellery ,brazing alloys, etc.