What are the characteristics of metalloids?

Answer 1

Metalloids, by definition, have properties of both metals and non-metals. Although chemical and physical differences can vary throughout the group. But the two general characteristics are that metalloids often form amphoteric oxides and often behave as semiconductors. They can be shiny or dull and their shape is easily changed.

Some characteristics of metalloids include:

• Metalloids typically conduct heat and electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals.
• They tend to sit on the fence during chemical reactions, taking electrons from most of the metals and will lose electrons to most nonmetals
• Ionic bonding is rare, due to rule No 2. Covalent bonds are much more common.
• They are solids.
• They conduct heat and electricty.
• They insulate at low temperatures.
• They conduct at high temperatures.
• The metalloids (B, As, Ge, Sb, Te, Si, Po) can be semiconductors; also form amphoteric oxides.

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Answer 2

Metalloids have properties of both metals and non-metals. They are semi-conductors of electricity, have varying reactivity, and can conduct heat. Metalloids are found in a diagonal line on the Periodic Table between metals and non-metals.