Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2305 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Metalloids as Intermediate Semiconductors
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The idea
Metalloids occupy the diagonal band between metals and nonmetals, and their intermediate electronegativity makes most of them semiconductors rather than conductors or insulators.
In practice
Silicon conducts electricity far better than a nonmetal like sulfur but far worse than a true metal like copper.
Where people slip
Looking metallic is not the same as behaving metallic — metalloids often have a shiny, metal-like appearance despite conducting poorly.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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