At room temperature, a certain element is yellow crystalline solid. It does not conduct electricity and when hit with a hammer, it shatters. Is the element likely to be a metal, a nonmetal, or a semimetal?

Key Concepts

Properties of Metals, Nonmetals, and Semimetals

Metals are typically shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of electricity. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are usually dull, brittle in solid form, and poor conductors. Semimetals exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals, often being semiconductors. Understanding these properties helps in classifying elements based on their physical characteristics.

Electrical Conductivity

Electrical conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electric current. Metals are excellent conductors due to the presence of free-moving electrons, while nonmetals generally do not conduct electricity well. This property is crucial in distinguishing between metals and nonmetals, especially when evaluating an element's behavior in different conditions.

Brittleness and Malleability

Brittleness is a property of materials that shatter or break easily when subjected to stress, while malleability refers to the ability to be shaped or deformed without breaking. Nonmetals are often brittle, as indicated by the element shattering when hit with a hammer. This characteristic is essential for determining whether an element is a metal or a nonmetal.