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?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the physical properties of the element: yellow crystalline solid, does not conduct electricity, shatters when hit.
2. Recall the general properties of metals: typically shiny, good conductors of electricity, malleable, and ductile.
3. Recall the general properties of nonmetals: often brittle, poor conductors of electricity, and can be various colors.
4. Recall the general properties of semimetals (metalloids): have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, may conduct electricity but not as well as metals.
5. Compare the element's properties with those of metals, nonmetals, and semimetals to determine the most likely classification.

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.