Chemistry Regents Practice Test

Which list includes a metal, a metalloid, and a nonmetal?

1. Fe, Bi, Cl

2. Sn, Si, C

3. Na, Mg, O

4. Cu, Al, He

The correct answer is: Sn, Si, C

The correct answer is found in the list that includes a metal, a metalloid, and a nonmetal. In this case, the elements in the chosen list are Tin (Sn), Silicon (Si), and Carbon (C). Tin is a metal that exhibits typical metallic properties such as luster, malleability, and good electrical conductivity. Silicon, classified as a metalloid, has properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. It is a crucial semiconductor used in electronics. Carbon is a nonmetal known for its various allotropes, including diamond and graphite, and it plays vital roles in organic chemistry and biological systems. The diversity in the properties of these elements reflects their positions on the periodic table, where metals, metalloids, and nonmetals are categorized based on their behaviors and characteristics. In contrast, other options contain elements that do not meet the criteria correctly or may have multiple metals or nonmetals without including a metalloid. This consistent classification across the periodic table is fundamental for understanding element behavior and interactions in chemical reactions.