Question

How are elements classified?

Answer 1

Elements are classified into three categories based on the properties shown by the substances.

1. Metals- Substances that are lustrous, malleable, hard, ductile, sonorous and good conductor of electricity. Example- Iron, copper, etc.
2. Non-metals- Substances that are not lustrous, non-malleable, soft, non-ductile, non-sonorous and bad conductor of electricity. Example- Sulphur, phosphorus, etc.
3. Metalloids- Substances that have intermediate properties between metals and non-metals. Example- Boron, silicon, etc.