Question

Identify items in your life that are made of each type of element: metal, nonmetal, and metalloid. For each item, explain why the properties of that type of element are necessary for the function of that item.

Answer 1

An everyday item that is made of a metal would be simple utensils like a fork. Forks are made of stainless steel which is made of multiple types of metals. A property of metals is that they are generally solid at room temperature and they are hard. This is a necessary property as if the fork was soft, or not even solid, it would be almost impossible to use.

Nonmetals are species that gain electrons and form ions, and are often electronegative elements. A common nonmetal is oxygen or nitrogen gas that makes up a large percentage of the atmosphere. Nonmetals are generally nonconductors, which means they do not conduct heat or electricity well. This is a necessary property because if the air was a good conductor, all electricity would be unstable and many electronics would simply short circuit or catch on fire.

Metalloids are materials that fall between metals and nonmetals in terms of properties. A common metalloid would be boron which can be found in various types of glass. In this form it has the solid property of a metal and the nonconducting property of a nonmetal. If glass were not solid, it would not be able to hold its form, and if glass were a good conductor of heat or electricity, it would make glass materials more dangerous to work with.