Question

Identify the following elements like Metal, Non-metal, or semimetal (metalloid):
(A) $Fr$
(B) $Pd$
(C) $I$
(D) $B$
(E) $Sc$
(a) (A) $Fr$ : Metal: (B) $Pd$ : Metal; (C) $I$ : Non-metal; (D) $B$ :Semi-metal; (E) $Sc$ :Metal.
(b) (A) $Fr$ : Metal: (B) $Pd$ : Non-metal; (C) $I$ : Non-metal; (D) $B$ :Semimetal; (E) $Sc$ :Metal.
(c) (A) $Fr$ : Metal: (B) $Pd$ : Metal; (C) $I$ : Non-metal; (D) $B$ :Semi-metal; (E) $Sc$ : Semi-metal.
(d) None of these.

Answer 1

We know that modern periodic law states that properties (physical and chemical) of elements are periodic functions of atomic numbers. Considering this law, periodic tables are constructed to classify elements in increasing order of atomic number.

Complete answer:
First we discuss metals, nonmetals and metalloids. Metals are those elements which can donate electrons to achieve stable configuration whereas non-metals are those elements which can accept electrons to achieve stable configuration Metalloids are those elements which possess properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Some examples of metals are sodium, potassium etc. Some examples of non-metals are oxygen, carbon etc. and some metalloids are boron, silicon etc. Here, we have to identify the group which contains metals, metalloids and nonmetals.
Metals are present on the left corner while non-metals are present on the right corner of the periodic table. So $Na,\text{ }K,\text{ }Mg,\text{ }Fr,\text{ }Pd,\text{ }Sc$ are metals while $I,\text{ }Ne,\text{ }F$ are non-metals. Metalloid, a chemical element with properties intermediate between those of typical metals and nonmetals. Usually considered under this classification are the chemical elements boron-B, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
Hence, the correct option is A. i.e. (A) $Fr$ : Metal: (B) $Pd$ : Metal; (C) $I$ : Non-metal; (D) $B$ :Semi-metal; (E) $Sc$ :Metal.

Note:
Remember that the Modern periodic table has $18$ groups and seven periods. Periodic table is divided into four blocks, s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block. Group $1$ and $2$ is collectively called s-block, group $3$ to $12$ is d-block, group $13$ to $18$ is p-block and lanthanides and actinides are grouped in f-block.