Characteristics of Elements

An element is a pure substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical or chemical means.

It does not matter if you grind, melt, boil or filter an element, you will never break it down into any other ingredients.

A pure substance is a substance that is made up of only one type of particle Example: Silver

Elements have their own unique properties. (characteristics)

Physical properties of elements include:

density

boiling point

color

melting point

hardness

texture

luster

Chemical properties include:

reactivity with acid

electric conductivity

flammability

Elements are grouped into three main categories: metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

Metals -located on the left hand side of the periodic table of elements -shiny in luster -conduct thermal energy -malleable: can be hammered into flat sheets -ductile: can be made into wire -example: gold

Nonmetals -located on the right hand side of the right hand side of the table -very few elements in this category -dull in luster -poor conductor of thermal energy -brittle (break easilly) -unmalleable -example: neon

Metalloids -also called semiconductors -some are shiny, some are dull -some are malleable, some are ductile -some conduct thermal energy -used to make computer chips(silicon)