Which of the following is Metalloid?
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Explanation:
Metalloids are fascinating elements that possess properties of both metals and non-metals. They occupy a unique position in the periodic table, forming a diagonal band that separates the metals from the non-metals. Understanding metalloids is crucial for grasping the behavior of elements and their applications in various fields.
The commonly recognized metalloids include boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po). Some sources also consider astatine (At) as a metalloid. These elements exhibit intermediate properties between metals and non-metals, making them extremely valuable in modern technology.
Key characteristics that define metalloids include their ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions (semiconductivity), which makes them neither perfect conductors like metals nor complete insulators like non-metals. This property is particularly important in the electronics industry. Silicon, for instance, is the backbone of computer chips and solar panels due to its semiconducting properties.
Physical properties of metalloids vary but generally include a metallic luster in their solid state, brittleness rather than malleability, and moderate melting points. Chemically, they can form both ionic and covalent bonds depending on the conditions and the elements they're reacting with. This versatility allows metalloids to participate in a wide range of chemical reactions.
In the periodic table, metalloids are strategically positioned along the staircase line that runs diagonally from boron to polonium. This placement is not coincidental – it reflects their intermediate nature. Elements to the left of this line are typically metals, while those to the right are non-metals. The metalloids serve as a bridge between these two major categories of elements.
The practical applications of metalloids are numerous and significant. Silicon is used in computer processors and photovoltaic cells, germanium in fiber optic systems and infrared optics, arsenic in semiconductors and wood preservatives, and antimony in flame retardants and batteries. Boron finds applications in glass manufacturing and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
When identifying metalloids in multiple-choice questions, remember that they are the elements that sit on the border between metals and non-metals in the periodic table. They're not as common as metals or non-metals, but their unique properties make them incredibly important in technology and industry. Understanding their position and characteristics will help you recognize them easily in any chemistry problem.
