What are two ways that you can tell if an element is a metal or a non-metal?
Question:
What are two ways that you can tell if an element is a metal or a non-metal?
Features of the Periodic Table of Elements:
The periodic table of elements has horizontal rows of elements called periods, with each period ending with a member of the noble gases. The vertical columns represent the families of elements called groups. These groups are further categorized into:
(1) Main group elements (Group IA-VIIA)
(2) Noble gases (Group VIIIA)
(3) Transition metals (Group B)
(4) Inner transition metals
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Answer and Explanation: 1
We can use the tendency of an element to become cation or anion to determine whether it is a metal or non-metal. In the formation of ionic compounds, metals become the cations due to their low ionization energy. In contrast, non-metals gain electron and become anions since their electron affinity values are large. In terms of physical properties, metals are malleable, while non-metals are brittle. This is because the atoms in metals are arranged in a regular layered pattern. These layers can slide smoothly with each other. The opposite is true for non-metals.
Learn more about this topic:
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Chapter 7 / Lesson 2The periodic table contains information about elements, such as their symbol, atomic number, and atomic mass. Understand the structure and uses of the periodic table and learn about the order and groups of elements.