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Chemistry / Unit 1   Chem 0075 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids

Captions available

The idea

Elements sort into three classes by conductivity: metals conduct heat and electricity well, nonmetals conduct poorly, and metalloids sit in between.

In practice

Copper wiring conducts electricity efficiently because copper is a metal; the sulfur in a match head does not, being a nonmetal.

Where people slip

This three-way split is a starting classification — sharper trends tied to atomic structure are covered later in the course.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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