Metalloid are elements between the metals and
nonmetals is a group of elements known as either the semimetals or the
metalloids. Here is a look at the location of these elements and their common
properties.
nonmetals is a group of elements known as either the semimetals or the
metalloids. Here is a look at the location of these elements and their common
properties.
Location on the Periodic Table
The metalloids or semimetals are located along the
line between the metals and nonmetals in the periodic table. The
metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
Polonium is often considered a metalloid, too.
line between the metals and nonmetals in the periodic table. The
metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
Polonium is often considered a metalloid, too.
Properties of the Semimetals or Metalloids
The electronegativities and ionization energies of
the metalloids are between those of the metals and nonmetals, so the metalloids
exhibit characteristics of both classes. Silicon, for example, possesses a
metallic luster, yet it is an inefficient conductor and is brittle. The
reactivity of the metalloids depends on the element with which they are
reacting. For example, boron acts as a nonmetal when reacting with sodium yet
as a metal when reacting with fluorine. The boiling points, melting points, and
densities of the metalloids vary widely. The intermediate conductivity of
metalloids means they tend to make good semiconductors.
the metalloids are between those of the metals and nonmetals, so the metalloids
exhibit characteristics of both classes. Silicon, for example, possesses a
metallic luster, yet it is an inefficient conductor and is brittle. The
reactivity of the metalloids depends on the element with which they are
reacting. For example, boron acts as a nonmetal when reacting with sodium yet
as a metal when reacting with fluorine. The boiling points, melting points, and
densities of the metalloids vary widely. The intermediate conductivity of
metalloids means they tend to make good semiconductors.
