Question

Which of the following is not a metal ?
a.) Copper
b.) Sulphur
c.) Aluminium
d.) Iron

Answer 1

Hint: The metals are the elements that can donate electrons easily to achieve noble gas configuration. Almost all s-block elements are metals and almost all non-metals belong to p-block. However, there are some metals present in p-block.

Complete step by step answer:
First, let us see what is metal.
A metal is a substance that can donate electrons. These donate electrons and attain positive charge and are thus stabilised because by doing this, they achieve noble gas configuration.
The s-block consists of elements that are classified under metals. Then, the d-block contains transition elements. There is a transition actually from metals to nonmetals. Those elements which are near s- block have more metal character and then there are even metalloids.
If we see the options given above, then Copper, Aluminium and Iron are metals and can easily donate electrons to achieve noble gas configuration.
The Sulphur on other hand belonging to the oxygen family is a non-metal.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Other than metal, we have non-metals in the periodic table. These substances take electrons to achieve noble gas configuration. Almost all non-metals belong to the p-block. The metals have unique properties that they are lustrous and can be beaten into sheets and hammered into wires. The metals are also sonorous and have shiny looks. Metals are mostly solids at room temperature.