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Chapter 2: Problem 28

List some characteristic properties that distinguish the metallic elements from the nonmetallic elements

Short Answer

Expert verified
Metallic elements have characteristic properties such as metallic luster, good conductivity of heat and electricity, malleability and ductility, high melting and boiling points, higher density, and tendency to form positive ions (cations) in chemical reactions. On the other hand, nonmetallic elements have a dull or matte appearance, poor conductivity, brittleness, lower melting and boiling points, lower density, and display a range of oxidation states, including negative, neutral, and positive states in their compounds.

Step by step solution

01

1. Luster

Metallic elements have a shiny appearance, called metallic luster, which comes from their ability to reflect light. Nonmetallic elements usually have a dull or matte finish.
02

2. Conductivity

Metallic elements are good conductors of both heat and electricity due to the free movement of electrons in their atomic structure. Nonmetallic elements, on the other hand, are generally poor conductors.
03

3. Malleability and Ductility

Metallic elements are malleable, which means that they can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. They are also ductile, which means that they can be drawn into thin wires. Nonmetallic elements are usually brittle and will break or shatter when subjected to mechanical stress.
04

4. Melting and Boiling Points

Metallic elements typically have high melting and boiling points because of the strong attractive forces between their atoms. Nonmetallic elements generally have lower melting and boiling points.
05

5. Density

Metallic elements are usually more dense than nonmetallic elements due to the close packing of their atoms in their crystal structures.
06

6. Chemical Reactivity

In general, metallic elements tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions to form positive ions (cations), while nonmetallic elements tend to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions).
07

7. Oxidation States

Metallic elements typically display positive oxidation states in their compounds, whereas nonmetallic elements can display a range of oxidation states, including negative, neutral, and positive states.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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