Question

What are metalloids? Write two properties of metalloids.

Answer 1

• Metalloids are a small group of elements founds in the periodic table of elements along the zigzag line that distinguishes metals from non-metals
• The elements which possess the characteristics of both metals and non-metals are called metalloids or semi-metals.
• Example: Boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), etc.

Properties of metalloids:

• Metalloids tend to show an intermediate property between metals and non-metals. Some metalloids like arsenic and antimony are crystalline solids
• The most important feature of metalloids is their semi-conductivity. Some metalloids like silicon and germanium behave as semiconductors.