Q. 4.12 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify each of the following elements as a metal, a nonmetal, or a metalloid:
a. Located in Group $2A\left(2\right)$
 b. A good conductor of electricity
 c. Chlorine
 d. Arsenic
 e. An element that is not shiny
 f. Oxygen
 g. Nitrogen
 h. Tin

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a)An element located in group $2$ is metal.

(b)Metal is good conductor of electricity.

(c)Chlorine is nonmetal .

(d)Arsenic is metalloid .

(e)Nonmetal is not shiny.

(f)Oxygen is nonmetal.

(g)Nitrogen is nonmetal.

(h)Tin is metal.

Part(a) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Group$=2$

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

Part(a) Step2: Simplify.

An element located in group $2$ is metal.

• These metals can donate two electrons to take part in chemical reactions.
• These are very reactive in nature. 

Part(b) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

A good conductor of electricity.

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

Part(b) Step2: Simplify.

• Metal is good conductor of electricity.
• Metal have free electrons which enhance their conductivity .
• Essential for building material.

Part(c) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Chlorine.

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

Part(c) Step2: Simplify.

Chlorine is nonmetal. 

• Used as disinfectants .
• Used in production of paper, dyes, etc.
• Used in bleaching powder.

Part(d) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

Arsenic

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

Part(d) Step2: Simplify.

Arsenic is metalloid. 

• It is heavy metal and poses main risk factor for public health.
• Used as doping agent in semiconductors.

Part(e) Step1 : Given information.

We have been given that,

An element that is not shiny.

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

Part(e) Step2: Simplify.

Nonmetal is not shiny in nature.

•  It does not have lusture or shiny property.
• It does not have free electrons and does not reflect light .

Part(f) Step1 : Given information

We have been given that,

Oxygen

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

Part(f) Step2: Simplify.

Oxygen is nonmetal. 

• It is one of the most abundant nonmetal found in Earth's crust.
• Essential for survival of living beings.

Part(g) Step1 : Given information

We have been given that,

Nitrogen

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

Part(g) Step2: Simplify.

Nitrogen is nonmetal. 

• Essential for fertilizers.
•  Disinfectants .

Part(h) Step1 : Given information

We have been given that,

Tin

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

Part(h) Step2: Simplify.

Tin is metal. 

• Used in making many alloys.
• It does not easily oxidized and resists corrosion.