Question

Elements can be investigated using a range of different techniques to determine their fundamental properties.

Some properties of an element can be observed only in a collection of atoms or molecules of the element. These properties include color, density, melting point, boiling point, and thermal and electrical conductivity.

Infoplease: Properties of the Elements

Are there any two stable(ish) elements that are completely indistinguishable in terms of their fundamental properties by a single measure?

That is to say, if I investigated one element to the absolute limit of human technology in that one specific measure, I wouldn't be able to tell one element from another?

Answer 1

While many elements have different properties, some elements have similar properties and can be classified into three classes: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their ability to conduct heat and electricity.

Step-by-step explanation:

While many elements differ dramatically in their chemical and physical properties, some elements have similar properties. For example, many elements conduct heat and electricity well, whereas others are poor conductors.

These properties can be used to sort the elements into three classes: metals (elements that conduct well), nonmetals (elements that conduct poorly), and metalloids (elements that have intermediate conductivities).