Identifying Metalloids
Malik analyzed three samples to test which element was a metalloid. The table shows his results.
| Element | Lustrous | Brittle | How It Reacts | Boiling Point (°C) | Melting Point (°C) | Electrical Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | yes | no | base | not observed | 97.72 | high |
| B | no | yes | acid | -34.04 | not observed | very low |
| C | yes | yes | acid or base | not observed | 1413.85 | medium |
Which element (A, B, or C) is most likely a metalloid?
Answer (1)
Analyze the properties of each element (A, B, and C) based on the given data.
Compare the properties of each element to the typical properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.
Determine that Element C exhibits properties of both metals and nonmetals, making it the most likely metalloid.
The element most likely to be a metalloid is C .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We want to identify which of the three elements (A, B, or C) is most likely a metalloid based on their properties. Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals. We will compare the given properties of each element to the typical properties of metalloids.
Analyzing Each Element Let's analyze the properties of each element:
Element A: Lustrous, not brittle, reacts with base, melting point 97.72 ∘ C , high electrical conductivity. These properties are more characteristic of a metal.
Element B: Not lustrous, brittle, reacts with acid, boiling point -34.04 ∘ C , very low electrical conductivity. These properties are more characteristic of a nonmetal.
Element C: Lustrous, brittle, reacts with acid or base, melting point 1413.85 ∘ C , medium electrical conductivity. This element exhibits properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Determining the Most Likely Metalloid Based on the analysis, Element C is the most likely metalloid because it possesses properties of both metals (lustrous, medium electrical conductivity) and nonmetals (brittle, reacts with acid or base).
Final Answer Therefore, the element most likely to be a metalloid is C.
Examples
Understanding the properties of metalloids is crucial in the field of semiconductors. Metalloids like silicon and germanium are used in computer chips and solar panels because their electrical conductivity can be controlled. This control allows for the creation of transistors and other electronic components that are essential for modern technology. Identifying metalloids correctly helps in selecting the right materials for various electronic applications.
