Question

12 (a) What are metalloids . Name at least three metalloids

Answer 1

Part I - Definition

1) Metalloids are the substance which have both the properties of metals as well as non -metals and are thus considered as a border line of metal and non -metal.

2) They are called metals because they are highly lustrous and good conductors of electricity.

3) They are similar to non -metals because their hydrides are fairly stable.

Part II - Name of three metalloids

• Silicon - It is a hard crystalline solid with blue grey metallic lustre and is brittle like non -metal
• Antimony - It is silvery white metal shiny like metal but brittle like non -metal
• Germanium - It is lustrous and hard white element like metal but is brittle like non -metals.