Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

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What are metals?

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Metals are elements that are typically shiny, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile. Examples include iron, copper, and gold.

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What are nonmetals?

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Nonmetals are elements that lack the characteristics of metals. They are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity, and can be gases, liquids, or brittle solids. Examples include oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

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What are metalloids?

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Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals. They are often semiconductors, meaning they can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals. Examples include silicon and germanium.

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What does ductile mean?

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Ductile refers to a material's ability to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Metals like copper and aluminum are ductile.

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What does malleable mean?

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Malleable refers to a material's ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. Metals like gold and silver are malleable.

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What does brittle mean?

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Brittle describes a material that breaks easily when subjected to stress. Nonmetals like sulfur and phosphorus are often brittle.

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What is conductivity?

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Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat or electricity. Metals generally have high conductivity.

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What is an example of a nonmetal?

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An example of a nonmetal is oxygen, which is essential for respiration.

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What is an example of a metal?

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An example of a metal is iron, which is commonly used in construction.

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What is an example of a metalloid?

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An example of a metalloid is silicon, which is used in computer chips.