Metalloids
The metalloid elements are the very small group of elements that contains properties of both metals and non-metals. Hence, they appear between the metals and non-metals on the periodic table in a 'stair-step' or 'staircase' pattern. The word metalloids is derived from the Latin word 'metallum' meaning "metal" and the Greek word 'oeides' meaning "resembling in form or appearance".
Properties of alkali metalloids:
Metalloids are solid in state.
Metalloids can be shiny like metals or dull like non-metals. Arsenic, for example, is a metalloid that has the visual appearance of a metal.
Metalloids are generally semiconductors. This means that they can carry an electrical charge under special conditions. This property makes metalloids useful in computers and other electronic devices.
Metalloids are usually brittle in nature and behave as electrical insulators at room temperature.
Many metalloids have multiple of oxidation states or valences.
Metalloids have intermediate ionization energies and electronegativity values.
Metalloids usually form amphoteric or weakly acidic oxides.
Most of the other physical and chemical properties of metalloids are intermediate in nature.
The 7 elements classified as metalloids are located in Groups 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 elements of the periodic table.
The metalloids are: