At room temperature, a certain element is found to be a soft, silver-colored solid that reacts violently with water and is a good conductor of electricity. Is the element likely to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a semimetal?

Key Concepts

Properties of Metals

Metals are typically characterized by their luster, malleability, ductility, and good electrical and thermal conductivity. They tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, forming positive ions. The description of the element as a soft, silver-colored solid that conducts electricity suggests it possesses metallic properties.

Reactivity with Water

Certain metals, particularly alkali metals like sodium and potassium, react violently with water, producing hydrogen gas and a corresponding metal hydroxide. This reactivity is a key indicator of an element's classification, as nonmetals generally do not exhibit such behavior. The violent reaction with water in the question points towards the element being a highly reactive metal.

Classification of Elements

Elements are classified into metals, nonmetals, and semimetals (metalloids) based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals are usually solid at room temperature (except mercury), while nonmetals can be gases or solids. The combination of being a soft solid that reacts with water and conducts electricity strongly indicates that the element in question is a metal.