Question

How are metalloids different from metals?

Answer 1

Hint: To answer the given question, we must know that a metalloid is a type of chemical element which has properties in between, or that are a mixture of those of metals and non-metals.

Complete step by step answer:
- Metalloid is an element that possesses properties of both metals and nonmetals, and which is therefore, hard to classify it as either metal or non-metal.
- They are basically intermediate in their properties between metals and nonmetals. They are often known as semi-metals.
- They show strange properties because they look like metal but it has chemical behaviour as non-metal.
- Taking physical properties into consideration, they are more like the non-metals. But under certain circumstances, unlike their expected behaviour, many of them can be made to conduct electricity.
- They are good semiconductors along with electronegativity suited between the metals and non-metals.
- These semiconductors find their use in computers and other electronic devices.
- They can have a dull or metallic appearance. In the periodic table, these elements run diagonally.
- Metalloids are brittle in nature and form alloys with metals.
- Due to their unique properties, they find their use as catalysts, biological agents, flame retardants, alloys and semiconductors.

Note: Metalloids are the elements between metals and nonmetals. It cannot be completely classified as metals or non-metals. Metalloids show different colours in the periodic table. Some of the common examples of metalloids are Silicon, Boron, Arsenic, Antimony.