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Metals are elements that are typically lustrous (shiny), malleable, ductile (can be made into wires) and are usually good conductors of heat and electricity. Except for the element Mercury metals are solid at room temperature. Most metal ions have a positive charge.

Nonmetals are typically dull in color and brittle when solid and are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity (graphite, a form of carbon is an exception to this as it conducts electricity). Some of the nonmetals are gasses at room temperature, some are solids, one (bromine) is a liquid. Unlike metals, some of the nonmetals exist as distinct molecules. Nonmetals generally form negative ions.

Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals and do not fit neatly into either category. They are often lustrous like metals but tend to be brittle like nonmetals. metalloids are classified as semiconductors as they have a moderate ability to conduct heat and electricity. They are solid at room temperature..

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15y ago

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