Metalloids

Definition of metalloids:-

A metalloid is an element which exhibits some properties of metals and some properties of nonmetals and some of its properties forms a boundary between metallic and nonmetallic properties.

For instance, Silicon (Si) a widely used component of modern semiconductor electronics is lustrous like a metal, brittle like a nonmetal and it doesn't have as good conductivity as a copper metal but it is also not insulator like a wood. It behaves as a semiconductor.

Examples of metalloids:-

            1.  Boron (B)
            2.  Silicon (Si)
            3.  Germanium (Ge)
            4.  Arsenic (As)
            5.  Antimony (Sb)
            6.  Tellurium (Te)
            7.  Polonium (Po)
            8.  Astatine (At)

Metalloids Are Brittle And Solid. They Appear Glazed And Polished.

A Arsenic
B Boron
A Antimony
S Silicon
T Tellurium
A Astatine
P Polonium

Or,

Glass is amorphous and transparent. Boron-silicate add property to resist heat and chemical.

G   Germanium
a   Arsenic
a   Antimony
t   Tellurium
B   Boron
s   Silicon
a   Astatine
p   Polonium

Facts about metalloids:-

P-block elements.

Lacks precise definition.

Shows behavior intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals.

Exist in solid state at room temperature and pressure.

Arranged in stair step fashion in the modern periodic table.

Uses of metalloids:-

Boron

It is used for making heat and chemical resistant glass.

Silicon

It is chief constituent of glass and ceramics.

It is used to manufacture electronic devices. Computers, mobile phones, calculators all used chips made from silicon.

Germanium

It is used to manufacture electronic devices.

Arsenic

It is used in insecticides.

Antimony

It is used for doping Silicon and Germanium in semiconductor industries.

Tellurium

It is used to manufacture infrared sensitive semiconductors. like solar panel, CD-RW, DVD-RW and rewritable blu-ray discs.