Question

Compare the properties of metalloids with those of metals.

Answer 1

Comparing the Properties of Metalloids with those of Metals:

• State-
  

1. Metals are solids at room temperature with the exception of mercury, which is liquid at room temperature.
2. Metalloids are generally solids at room temperature

• Lustre-

1. Metals have the quality of reflecting light from its surface and can be polished. Example Gold, Silver and Copper.
2. They have metallic lustre and look like metals, but many show characteristic properties of weak non-metals.

• Conductivity-

1. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
2. Metalloids are semi-conductors of electricity and show average transmission of heat.

• Malleability and ductile –
  

1. Metals have the ability to withstand hammering and can be made into thin sheets known as foils.
2. They are generally malleable and ductile. Silicon is not malleable or ductile, but and ductility is lustrous and acts as an electrical conductor under specific conditions.