I was to classify these elements as metals or nonmetals----iron, cobalt, sodium, oxygen,chlorine, and helium. This is how I classified them. Am I correct? The metals are iron, cobalt and sodium. The nonmetals are oxygen, chlorine and heluim.
Yes, you are correct.
Yes, you are correct with your classification. Iron, cobalt, and sodium are all metals, while oxygen, chlorine, and helium are all nonmetals.
Yes, you have correctly classified the elements as metals and nonmetals. Iron, cobalt, and sodium are indeed metals, while oxygen, chlorine, and helium are nonmetals. Now, let me explain how you can determine whether an element is a metal or a nonmetal.
The classification of an element as a metal or nonmetal is based on its physical and chemical properties. Here are a few key characteristics that can help you classify elements:
1. Metallic properties: Metals generally have a shiny appearance, are good conductors of heat and electricity, and have high melting and boiling points. They are also malleable and ductile, meaning they can be easily hammered into thin sheets or drawn into wires.
2. Nonmetallic properties: Nonmetals, on the other hand, have varying physical properties. They can be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature and have dull appearances. Nonmetals are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity, have lower melting and boiling points than metals, and are brittle, meaning they can break or shatter easily.
Based on these properties, let's examine the elements you mentioned:
- Iron and cobalt: These elements are both transition metals and exhibit typical metallic properties. They have a metallic luster, are good conductors of heat and electricity, and have high melting and boiling points.
- Sodium: Sodium is an alkali metal and, like other metals, is also shiny and a good conductor of heat and electricity. It has a lower melting and boiling point compared to iron and cobalt.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is a nonmetal. At room temperature, it exists as a gas and does not possess metallic properties. It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is also a nonmetal. It is a greenish-yellow gas at room temperature and exhibits nonmetallic characteristics. It is a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
- Helium: Helium is a noble gas and a nonmetal. It exists as a colorless gas at room temperature and does not possess metallic properties.
In summary, you have correctly classified iron, cobalt, and sodium as metals, and oxygen, chlorine, and helium as nonmetals based on their physical properties and characteristics.