Classify the following elements as metals, metalloids, or nonmetals

chlorine
sulfur
cobalt
germanium
nickel
potassium
phosphorus

Chlorine: Nonmetal

Sulfur: Nonmetal
Cobalt: Metal
Germanium: Metalloid
Nickel: Metal
Potassium: Metal
Phosphorus: Nonmetal

To classify the elements as metals, metalloids, or nonmetals, we need to refer to the periodic table.

Chlorine is a nonmetal.
Sulfur is a nonmetal.
Cobalt is a metal.
Germanium is a metalloid.
Nickel is a metal.
Potassium is a metal.
Phosphorus is a nonmetal.

To classify the elements as metals, metalloids, or nonmetals, you can use the periodic table.

Step 1: Locate each element on the periodic table.
- Chlorine (Cl) is located in Group 17 (Group 7A) of the periodic table.
- Sulfur (S) is located in Group 16 (Group 6A) of the periodic table.
- Cobalt (Co) is located in the transition metals section of the periodic table.
- Germanium (Ge) is located in Group 14 (Group 4A) of the periodic table.
- Nickel (Ni) is located in the transition metals section of the periodic table.
- Potassium (K) is located in Group 1 (Group 1A) of the periodic table.
- Phosphorus (P) is located in Group 15 (Group 5A) of the periodic table.

Step 2: Analyze the location of each element.
- Metals: Elements on the left side of the periodic table (excluding hydrogen) are usually metals. This includes potassium (K), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni).
- Metalloids: Metalloids are found along the stair-step line that separates metals from nonmetals. Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid.
- Nonmetals: Elements on the right side of the periodic table are usually nonmetals. This includes chlorine (Cl), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P).

Classification:
- Chlorine (Cl): Nonmetal
- Sulfur (S): Nonmetal
- Cobalt (Co): Metal
- Germanium (Ge): Metalloid
- Nickel (Ni): Metal
- Potassium (K): Metal
- Phosphorus (P): Nonmetal

Please note that classification may vary depending on different sources and categorization systems. The periodic table serves as a useful guide for determining the classification of elements.