Metalloids are best described as?

• A. Both metallic and non-metallic properties
• B. Completely metallic
• C. Never conduct electricity
• D. Found only in compounds

Answer: (A)

Metalloids sit between metals and nonmetals in the periodic table and show properties from both groups. They can appear shiny like metals, yet their ability to conduct electricity is not as strong as metals and can be tuned by conditions such as temperature or adding impurities, which is why they’re famous as semiconductors. This mix of metallic and nonmetallic traits is what makes the statement describing them as having both metallic and non-metallic properties the best description. They aren’t completely metallic, and they do conduct electricity under the right circumstances, so they aren’t "never" conductors. They also aren’t found only in compounds—they exist as elements too, in minerals and as pure substances.