Density & Metals, Non-Metals & Metalloids

Which of these grouping of elements could have the characteristic of luster (shiny)?

• Metal

• Nonmetal

• metalloids

• Both metals and metalloids

Answer explanation

Both metals and metalloids can exhibit luster, as metals are typically shiny and metalloids can have a metallic sheen. Nonmetals usually lack this characteristic, making the correct choice 'Both metals and metalloids'.

Which of these is a property of metals?

• It's malleable

• It can't conduct electricity

• They are used in food

• It's very brittle

Answer explanation

Metals are malleable, meaning they can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. This property distinguishes them from non-metals, which are often brittle and cannot conduct electricity well.

Brittle

• Metal

• Nonmetal

Answer explanation

Brittle materials are typically nonmetals, as they tend to break or shatter easily under stress. Metals, on the other hand, are usually malleable and ductile, making 'nonmetal' the correct choice for describing brittle substances.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-1

Good conductor of heat

• Metal

• Nonmetal

Answer explanation

Metals are known for their excellent conductivity of heat due to their free-moving electrons, making them good conductors. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are generally poor conductors of heat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which element is a metalloid?

• Titanium

• Selenium

• Potassium

• Polonium

Answer explanation

Polonium is classified as a metalloid due to its properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. The other options—Titanium, Selenium, and Potassium—are not metalloids.

All of the following would classify an element as a metal except?

• Dull

• Luster

• Malleable

• Hard

Answer explanation

Metals are typically shiny and have luster, are malleable, and often hard. The term 'dull' describes a lack of shine, which is not characteristic of metals, making 'dull' the correct answer.

Iron is a good conductor, malleable and magnetic. What type of element is Iron? 

• Metal

• Nonmetal

• Metalloid

• Pretty

Answer explanation

Iron is classified as a metal because it exhibits properties such as good conductivity, malleability, and magnetism, which are characteristic of metals. Therefore, the correct answer is Metal.

A student is given a sample of an unknown substance. He is asked to determine if it is classified as a metal, a metalloid, or a nonmetal. He discovered that the unknown element conducted some heat and electricity, had a shiny luster, and broke easily. This element is most likely a 

• metal

• nonmetal

• metalloid

• cannot be determined

Answer explanation

The unknown substance conducts heat and electricity, indicating some metallic properties, but its brittleness suggests it is not a metal. These characteristics align with metalloids, which have mixed properties of metals and nonmetals.

Which table below correctly lists the properties of metals and nonmetals? *

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Choice D correctly lists the properties of metals and nonmetals, highlighting key differences such as conductivity, malleability, and reactivity. This aligns with established scientific knowledge about these elements.

Which of the following is a property of a non-metal?

• Conducts electricity and heats well

• Can be hammered into thin sheets

• Is brittle and breaks easily

• Has a shiny, metallic luster

Answer explanation

Non-metals are typically brittle and break easily, unlike metals which are malleable and ductile. The other options describe properties of metals, such as conductivity and luster, making 'brittle' the correct choice.