Question

A new element (solid at room temperature) is discovered that has:

Has a melting point of 250 degrees C;
Is dull,
brittle,
does not conduct electricity; however, if the temperature is dropped to -50 degrees C it conducts electricity very well.
Based on this information, how would you classify this element? Is it a metal, non-metal, or metalloid? How do you know? Use what has been presented in class to answer the question.

Answer 1

A metalloid is a substance that has both the qualities of a metal and a non metal. Metals conduct electricity and have a high melting point.The element described does not conduct electricity until temperatures are reduced therefore it is not a metal. The fact that conduction occurs when temperatures are reduced means that it is not a non metal because non metals do not conduct electricity at all. Therefore the element is a metaloid because it exhibits some properties of a metal and others of a non mental.

Step-by-step explanation: