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Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.7 - Periodic Properties of the ElementsProblem 4
Chapter 7, Problem 4

In the following reaction
which sphere represents a metal and which represents a nonmetal?

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Identify the spheres in the reaction diagram. Typically, different spheres in a chemical reaction diagram represent different types of atoms.
Determine the characteristics of metals and nonmetals. Metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions, while nonmetals tend to gain electrons and form negative ions.
Look for clues in the reaction diagram such as charges, positions, or connections that might indicate which sphere is more likely to lose or gain electrons.
Consider the typical physical properties of metals and nonmetals. Metals are usually shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity, whereas nonmetals are not.
Based on these observations and the context of the reaction, assign each sphere as either a metal or a nonmetal.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Metals and Nonmetals

Metals are elements that typically exhibit high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and ductility. They are usually found on the left side and in the center of the periodic table. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are elements that lack these metallic properties and are found on the right side of the periodic table. They tend to be poor conductors and can exist in various states at room temperature.
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Periodic Table

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are grouped into columns called groups or families, which share similar characteristics. Understanding the layout of the periodic table is essential for identifying metals and nonmetals, as it visually distinguishes these categories based on their properties and reactivity.
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Chemical Symbols and Representations

In chemical reactions, elements are often represented by their chemical symbols, which are one or two-letter abbreviations derived from their names. For example, 'Na' represents sodium (a metal), while 'Cl' represents chlorine (a nonmetal). Recognizing these symbols is crucial for interpreting chemical equations and understanding the roles of different elements in reactions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

The prefix eka- comes from the Sanskrit word for 'one.' Mendeleev used this prefix to indicate that the unknown element was one place away from the known element that followed the prefix. For example, eka-silicon, which we now call germanium, is one element below silicon. Mendeleev also predicted the existence of eka-manganese, which was not experimentally confirmed until 1937 because this element is radioactive and does not occur in nature. Based on the periodic table shown in Figure 7.1, what do we now call the element Mendeleev called eka-manganese?

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Textbook Question

Which of these spheres represents F, which represents Br, and which represents Br-?

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Textbook Question

The graph below shows the ionization energies for a particular element. In which group is the element most likely a member of? [Section 7.3]

Textbook Question

Consider the Mg2+, Cl-, K+, and Se2- ions. The four spheres below represent these four ions, scaled according to ionic size. (b) In terms of size, between which of the spheres would you find the (i) Ca2+ and (ii) S2- ions?

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