Let's fill in the blanks based on the context given:
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A sample of iodine is easiest to ship as a powder because it is brittle, making it easy to break into small pieces.
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Helium is less dense than the elements that make up the air we breathe, so a balloon filled with helium will float in air.
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Plastic is a compound of nonmetallic elements, so its insulating properties make it a popular coating for electric wires to prevent the current from escaping.