Paper 2 · November 2016 · Atomic Structure and Bonding
An element X has the electron configuration 2, 8, 3. State, in one word, whether X is a metal or a non-metal.
Model answer
metal
Explanation
X has a valency of 3 -- it is easier to lose three electrons than to gain five electrons to achieve a stable configuration, so X is a metal (it is aluminium).
Derived from ZIMSEC Chemistry 5071/2 Paper 2 Theory, November 2016, Q1