Use the periodic table to select the element that best fits each of the following descriptions. which element below has properties of both metals and nonmetals?

zinc aluminum copper boron

Answer: Boron is the element which has properties of both metals and nonmetals.

Explanation:

Metals are defined as the elements which loose electrons to attain stable electronic configuration. They attain positive charge and form cation. Example: Zinc (Zn), Aluminium (Al), copper (Cu)

Non-metals are defined as the elements which gain electrons to attain stable electronic configuration. They attain negative charge and form anion. Example: Chlorine (Cl), Sulphur (S)

Metalloids are defined as the elements which show properties of both metals and non-metals. There are 7 metalloids in the periodic table. They are Boron (B), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Tellurium (Te) and Polonium (Po).

Thus boron is the element which has properties of both metals and nonmetals.