Final answer:
The element that has characteristics of both metals and nonmetals is Germanium (Ge), which makes it a metalloid. It is classified as such because it sits along the stair-step line on the periodic table, exhibiting properties of both metal and nonmetal elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which element among the given options would have properties characteristic of both metals and nonmetals. These elements are known as metalloids or semi-metals. According to the information provided and the general layout of the periodic table, metals are situated on the left side and nonmetals are on the upper right side, with metalloids located along the zigzag (stair-step) line that divides metals and nonmetals.
Let's examine the options given based on their position in the periodic table:
- A) Ge (Germanium) - Germanium is found along the stair-step line and is classified as a metalloid. It exhibits properties of both metals and nonmetals.
- B) K (Potassium) - Potassium is a metal, located on the far left side of the periodic table.
- C) Cl (Chlorine) - Chlorine is a nonmetal, found on the upper right side of the periodic table.
- D) Xe (Xenon) - Xenon is a noble gas, which is also classified under nonmetals.
Therefore, the answer is A) Ge (Germanium), which has properties characteristic of both a metal and a nonmetal.