Question

The zigzag line in the periodic table separates ___ from _____
(A) metalloids, metals
(B) non-metals, metalloids
(C) metals, non-metals
(D) none of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Determine the location of metals, nonmetals and metalloids in the periodic table.
Also determine the nature of the elements present on the zigzag line.

Complete answer:
In the periodic table, based on the electronic configuration, the elements are divided into four blocks. These blocks are named as s-block, p-block, d-block and f-block.
Except hydrogen, all the elements of s-block, d-block and f-block are metallic in nature. S-block elements include alkali metals such as lithium, sodium potassium etc and alkaline earth metals such as beryllium, magnesium, calcium etc. d-block elements include transition metals such as copper silver and gold. F-block elements include lanthanides and actinides.
However, p-block elements include metals, nonmetals and metalloids. Examples of p-block metal are aluminium and the examples of p-block non metals are nitrogen, oxygen and halogens.
The properties of metalloids are present in between the properties of metals and non-metals. Metals are present on the left-hand side and non-metals are present on the right-hand side.
The line of separation between metals and nonmetals is the zigzag line. This zig zag line contains metalloids. These include antimony, germanium, boron, silicon, arsenic, tellurium and polonium.
The zigzag line in the periodic table separates metals from nonmetals.

Hence, the correct option is the option (C).

Note: The properties of metalloids are in between the properties of metals and non-metals. Thus, for example, metals are highly electropositive in nature whereas non-metals are highly electronegative elements. The electronegativity value of metalloids is in between that of metals and non-metals.