Question

the elements diagonally between the metals and the nonmetals are called metalloids. the elements that fall into this category. these are boron (b), silicon (si), germanium (ge), antimony (sb), tellurium (te), and polonium (po). metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals. one important property is that most metalloids are semiconductors. this means that at certain temperatures, they conduct electricity very well; at other temperatures, they do not. metalloids are frequently used in computer chips.
these are general categories that allow us to group elements by their physical properties. the table may also be used to discover important information about the chemical properties of elements. it tells us how the elements \like\ to combine with other elements! this combining is called bonding. the process of reorganizing atoms into different bonded clusters is what happens in a chemical reaction. the number of protons and neutrons in an atom does not change, but the number of electrons does. we will talk about bonding in more detail later in this chapter.
practice 6.2

1. explain the difference between atomic number and atomic mass.
2. explain why the periodic table is significant.
3. by what process do atoms (elements) combine?

a grouping
b bonding
c holding
d grasping

Explanation:

• Question 1: Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus (defines the element). Atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus (varies for isotopes).
• Question 2: The Periodic Table groups elements by properties (e.g., metals, non - metals, metalloids). It helps predict chemical behavior (bonding, reactivity) and understand trends (atomic size, electronegativity).
• Question 3: Bonding is the process by which atoms (elements) combine. It involves sharing (covalent), transferring (ionic), or delocalizing (metallic) electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.

Answer:

1. Atomic number: number of protons (defines element). Atomic mass: sum of protons and neutrons (varies for isotopes).
2. Groups elements by properties; predicts chemical behavior (bonding, reactivity); shows trends (atomic size, electronegativity).
3. B. bonding