What is an Element?
Elements are under the category of pure substance. It is the simplest form of substance which only consists of atoms that have the same atomic number. It cannot be broken down further through chemical or physical change. The periodic table of elements lists all the known elements and groups them depending on their similarities. The elements can be classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.
Metals
Metals are the elements that conduct electricity well. They are described as shiny in appearance, malleable - the ability to bend or hammer the element without making a crack, and often shaded yellow.
Examples of Metals: Gold (Au), Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag)
Metalloids
They are the elements that can be classified or intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They conduct heat and electricity moderately well and are often shaded purple.
Examples of Metalloids: Boron (B), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge)
Nonmetals
Most nonmetals are gases at room temperature and do not conduct electricity like metals and metalloids. It is dull in appearance and often shaded green.
