EasyChemistryHigh School (9–10)GeneralMetals and Non-metals › Properties of Metals and Non-metalsConceptual
What is a metalloid? Name two. Why is silicon so useful in electronics?
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
What is a metalloid? Name two. Why is silicon so useful in electronics?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Metals are usually shiny, hard, malleable, ductile, sonorous and good conductors, with high melting points. Non-metals are usually dull, brittle and poor conductors. Exceptions: mercury is liquid, sodium is soft and floats, graphite conducts, iodine is shiny, diamond is very hard. Metalloids such as silicon have properties of both.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. A metalloid has some properties of metals and some of non-metals.
Step 2. Examples: silicon, germanium, boron, arsenic.
Step 3. Silicon is a semiconductor: it conducts a little, and the amount can be controlled, so it is used in chips and solar cells.
Answer: as above.
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