Question

What are metalloids? name some metalloids.

Answer 1

1. The elements whose properties are intermediate between those of metals and non-metals are known as metalloids.
2. For example, metals are good conductors of electricity whereas non-metals do not conduct electricity, but metalloids conduct electricity to a small extent. thus, metalloids are semiconductors.
3. The elements silicon, boron, arsenic, antimony, tellurium and polonium are metalloids.

Some of the uses of metalloids are:

• Silicon dioxide is used in watches and clocks.
• Antimony is alloyed with lead which is used in batteries.
• Germanium is used in solar cells.