What metalloids are in the periodic table?

1 Answer
Jun 14, 2014

The eight elements classified as metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, astatine, and polonium.

Metalloids occur along the diagonal stair-step between metals and non-metals. The stair-step line includes the elements from boron to astatine.

The elements to the upper right of this line display increasing non-metallic behaviour. The elements to the lower left of the line display increasing metallic behaviour.

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Metalloids have some characteristics of metals and some of non-metals.

Most metalloids are brittle, are semi-conductors, and have a metallic lustre. Some also contract on melting, unlike many other types of metals.

Boron is used in pyrotechnic flares to provide a distinctive green colour, and in rockets as an igniter.

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Silicon is one of the most useful elements. It is used in solid-state devices in the computer and microelectronics industries.

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Germanium is an important semiconductor that is used in thousands of electronic applications.

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Arsenic is used in bronzing, pyrotechnics, and for hardening shot.

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Antimony is used in alloys of copper and lead and in various types of semiconductor devices.

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Tellurium improves the machinability of copper and stainless steel.

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Polonium is used as a source of α-particles for scientific research.