Question

Element A and element B have a metallic luster. Element A conducts heat and electricity well, but element B is only a semiconductor. What is the most likely classification of these two elements?

A. Element A is a metal, and element B is a metalloid
B. They are both nonmetals
C. Element A is a metalloid, and element B is a metal
D. They are both metals

Answer 1

Element A is a metal due to its good conductivity of heat and electricity, whereas Element B is a metalloid because it is only a semiconductor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the characteristics provided, Element A has properties reflective of a metal due to its good conduction of heat and electricity and its metallic luster. Element B, showing semiconductor properties and a metallic luster, is most likely a metalloid. Metals are known for their malleability, ductility, and excellent conduction of heat and electricity. Metalloids, on the other hand, have intermediate properties between metals and nonmetals, including moderate conduction of heat and electricity. Therefore, the most likely classification for these elements is Element A is a metal, and Element B is a metalloid.