Brian is given an unknown element that is bright when sunlight hits it. He has a hammer and an electrical source. If he attached the electrical source, what might happen if the substance is a metalloid?

Question

anonymous · Answer

When you attach an electrical source you are essentially breaking apart the protons and electrons so what happens when you have a tightly packed particle and you cause the particles to move away from each other?

anonymous · Answer

Hint: Solid Liquid, and Gas.

mrnood · Answer

I think this is more about 'metal,/non-metal' comparison than gas/solid/liquid

Metalloids are between metals and non metals

Metals are ductile (stretchable)and conduct electricity
Metalloids are brittle and conduct some electricity
Non- Metals are brittle and do not conduct electricity

(NOTE - these are 'general' statements and may have some exceptions)

Thus you can deduce what will happen with the electrical source. My guess is the next question will be 'what if he strikes it with the hammer (brittle/ductile)...