Claim: The element is most likely a metal.
Evidence:
1. Brittle: Metals are typically not brittle; instead, they tend to be malleable and ductile. Non-metals are usually brittle.
2. Non-reactive: Noble gases, which are non-metals, are known for being non-reactive due to their stable electron configurations.
3. Shiny: Metals often exhibit a shiny or metallic luster due to their ability to reflect light effectively.
Reasoning:
Based on the evidence provided, the element is more likely to be a metal because it doesn't align with the properties commonly associated with non-metals. Metals are not brittle, can be shiny, and are not usually non-reactive. The combination of brittleness, non-reactivity, and shininess points towards a non-metal, so the element being described would be an exception if it were a non-metal.
