Question

If atoms of metals lose electrons to become positive ions, if atoms of non-metals gain electrons to become negative ions, then what do atoms of metalloids do - they lose electrons or gain electrons?

Answer 1

Dear student,

Metalloids can both act as losing the electrons or gaining the electron in a chemical reaction.There will be the formation of small-sized cation and thus it will possess more polarizing power. It will thus result in the formation of covalent bond mainly with largely sized anions that can be easily polarized.

Metalloid not only forms a covalent bond by sharing of electrons but will also form ionic bond either by losing or gaining of electrons.

Regards