Question 45

They have intermediate electrical conductivity.

Metalloids are characterized by their unique ability to conduct electricity at levels that are between those of metals and nonmetals, making them valuable in various applications, especially in electronics.

A) They are poor conductors of electricity.

This statement is incorrect because metalloids are not poor conductors; instead, they exhibit intermediate electrical conductivity, which is one of their defining characteristics. Poor conductors are typically associated with nonmetals.

B) They are used for electrical wires.

While some metalloids can conduct electricity, they are not typically used for electrical wires like metals such as copper or aluminum. This statement misrepresents the general usage of metalloids in electrical applications.

C) They are both malleable and ductile.

This statement is also incorrect as metalloids are generally not malleable and ductile to the same extent as metals. They possess some metallic properties, but their brittleness limits their malleability and ductility compared to true metals.

D) They have intermediate electrical conductivity.

This statement accurately describes metalloids, highlighting their unique position in the periodic table. Metalloids can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals, which is essential for their use in semiconductors and other electronic devices.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, definitively captures the essence of metalloids and their electrical properties. Other options fail to accurately represent the characteristics of metalloids, either by misidentifying their conductive abilities or overstating their physical properties. Understanding metalloids is crucial in fields such as materials science and electronics, where their intermediate conductivity plays a significant role.