What are the metalloids?

Answer 1

Metalloid, or semi metal is a term used in chemistry when classifying the chemical elements. On the basis of their general physical and chemical properties, nearly every element in the Periodic Table can be termed either a metal or a nonmetal. However, a few elements with intermediate properties are referred to as metalloids. They are sometimes called (and confused with) semiconductors and semimetals.

The following elements are generally considered metalloids:

* Boron (B) * Silicon (Si) * Germanium (Ge) * Arsenic (As) * Antimony (Sb) * Tellurium (Te) * Polonium (Po) Inclusion of polonium is somewhat academic because all its isotopes are radioactive.

Answer 2

The metalloid elements are those elements which do not fit with the metal or non-metal classification on the periodic table. They are generally characterized by having properties that are 'half-way' between metals and non-metals; several of the metalloids are semiconductors (although not all semiconductors are metalloids).

The elements that are usually considered metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium. Other elements that show metalloid characteristics depending on what form they take (but are not considered metalloids) include carbon, gallium, selenium, bismuth, phosphorus, and tin.

Answer 3

A metalloid is an element with properties that both go under a metal and a non metal and can be defined according to their placement on the periodic table. A few example of metalloids are silicon and boron. Another name for metalloids are semi-conductors.