Question

in the table below, there are descriptions of an experiment on samples of three different chemical elements. decide whether the element is a metal or nonmetal, if you can. if there is not enough information to decide, choose cant decide in the third column. element description metal or nonmetal? 1 element 1 is a moderately soft yellow solid. wires are connected to both ends of a small 1 cm long block of the element. when a high voltage is applied, the sample begins to smoke and turn brown. metal nonmetal (cant decide) 2 element 2 is a shiny silvery - gray solid. a 5 cm×5 cm square of it, only 1 mm thick, is flexed slightly by hand, putting a slight bend in the middle of the square. metal nonmetal (cant decide) 3 element 3 is a hard dark - red solid. a 10. g cube of it is tapped lightly with a small hammer. one corner of the cube breaks off into 3 - 4 pieces and a collection of small bits. metal nonmetal (cant decide)

Explanation:

1. Element 1: Non - metals are often poor conductors of electricity. Since the sample smokes and turns brown instead of conducting electricity well when a high voltage is applied, it is likely a nonmetal.
2. Element 2: Metals are generally shiny and malleable (able to be bent without breaking easily). The shiny appearance and ability to be slightly flexed indicate it is a metal.
3. Element 3: Non - metals are usually brittle (break easily when struck). Since the solid breaks into pieces when tapped with a hammer, it is likely a nonmetal.

Answer:

1. nonmetal
2. metal
3. nonmetal