The element with atomic number 14 is hard and forms acidic oxide and a covalent halide. To which of the following categories does the element belong ?

Options

A. Metal
B. Metalloid
C. Non-metal
D. Left-hand side element

Explanation

To determine the category of the element with atomic number 14, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Element
The element with atomic number 14 is Silicon (Si).

### Step 2: Analyze the Properties Given
The question states that this element is hard and forms an acidic oxide and a covalent halide.

### Step 3: Determine the Type of Oxide
- **Acidic Oxide**: Elements that form acidic oxides are typically non-metals. Silicon forms silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is an acidic oxide.

### Step 4: Determine the Type of Halide
- **Covalent Halide**: Silicon can react with halogens (like chlorine) to form covalent halides, such as silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4). This indicates that silicon can form covalent bonds.

### Step 5: Classify the Element
Given that silicon is hard, forms an acidic oxide, and can form covalent halides, we can classify silicon as a non-metal.

### Conclusion
The element with atomic number 14 belongs to the category of **non-metals**.

### Final Answer
The correct category for the element with atomic number 14 is **non-metal**.

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