Metals and non-metals in the periodic table
2 marks · NormalState whether each of the following elements is a metal or a non-metal. Explain how you decided in each case.
Sodium (Na)
Sulfur (S)
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(a) Sodium: metal; It is on the left-hand side of the periodic table
(b) Sulfur: non-metal; It is on the right-hand side of the periodic table
Common mistakes: Choosing based on physical state rather than table position; Confusing Group number meanings
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies sodium as a metal with an appropriate reason (e.g. from position in the periodic table)
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Correctly identifies sulfur as a non-metal with an appropriate reason (e.g. from position in the periodic table)
Worked solution
a) Sodium is a metal because it is found on the left-hand side of the periodic table.
b) Sulfur is a non-metal because it is found on the right-hand side of the periodic table.