Which of the following best describes the element chlorine (Cl) on the periodic table?

• A. Chlorine is a nonmetal.
• B. Chlorine is a metalloid.
• C. Chlorine is a metal.
• D. Chlorine is a noble gas.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general classification of elements on the periodic table: metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and noble gases.
2. Locate chlorine (Cl) on the periodic table; it is found in group 17, which is known as the halogen group.
3. Understand that halogens are nonmetals characterized by high electronegativity and reactivity, especially with metals.
4. Recognize that metalloids have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, but chlorine does not exhibit these intermediate properties.
5. Note that noble gases are located in group 18 and are inert gases, which chlorine is not, confirming that chlorine is best described as a nonmetal.