Question

Antimony and arsenic belong to the category of:
A. metals
B. metalloids
C. non-metals
D. minerals

Answer 1

Hint:Arsenic and antimony are p-block elements. The properties of arsenic and antimony resemble metals as well as non-metals. The properties of metalloids are in between the properties of metals and non-metals.

Complete answer:
Minerals are naturally occurring and inorganic in nature. They contain one or more elements. They have definite structure and chemical composition.
Metals are highly electropositive elements whereas non-metals are electronegative elements. In the periodic table, metals are present on the left-hand side whereas non metals are present on the right-hand side. A zigzag line separates metals from non-metals in the periodic table. Metalloids are present on this zig zag line. Metalloids belong to the p block of the periodic table.
Antimony and arsenic belong to the category of metalloids. The properties of metalloids are in between the properties of metals and nonmetals. The electronic structure of metalloids is in between that of metals and non-metals. The examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, polonium and astatine.
Thus, arsenic and antimony are metalloids.

Hence, the correct option is the option (B)

Note:
Metals are good electrical and thermal conductors. Non-metals are poor electrical and thermal conductors. Metalloids are neither good electrical conductors nor good electrical insulators. You can classify metalloids as semiconductors.