Definition
The metalloids comprise a group of main group elements found along the stair-step line that divides metals (transition metals and other metals) and the nonmetals. The metalloids usually include B (Group 13) in the first row, Si (Group 14) in the second row, Ge (Group 14) and As (Group 15) in the third row, Sb (Group 15) and Te (Group 16) in the fourth row, and At (Group 17) in the fifth row.
Overview
The metalloid are main group elements that are at the border of solids that are metallic (itinerate electrons that are shared freely among the atoms) in contrast to those that are covalent with chemical bonds. Note that as one proceeds down the Periodic Table, the metalloids move to the right in the Table.
The metalloids exhibit mixed properties as they are solids and may even look metallic but may not conduct electricity and heat in the same way as a metal. For example, silicon looks like a metal as it is shiny, but it is not malleable like a metal, and is a poor conductor of...
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Dixon, D.A., Vasiliu, M. (2017). Elements: Metalloids. In: White, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Geochemistry. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39193-9_63-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39193-9_63-1
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