Which one of the following is a metalloid ?

The correct answer is Germanium.

Key Points

• Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32.
• It is classified as a metalloid, which means it has properties of both metals and non-metals.
• Germanium is primarily used in semiconductor technology for making transistors and diodes.
• It is a brittle, grayish-white element and is found in small amounts in ores such as zinc and copper.
• Germanium shares chemical similarities with silicon, another important semiconductor material.

Additional Information

• Metalloids:
  • Metalloids are elements that have properties intermediate between metals and non-metals.
  • Examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium.
  • Metalloids are often semiconductors, meaning they can conduct electricity under certain conditions.
  • They are typically used in electronics and other specialized applications.
• Semiconductors:
  • Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between conductors (like metals) and insulators (like ceramics).
  • Germanium and silicon are commonly used as semiconductors in electronic devices.
  • Semiconductors are crucial in manufacturing transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
• Chemical Properties of Germanium:
  • Germanium is chemically stable and does not react with water or air under normal conditions.
  • It forms compounds such as germanium dioxide (GeO2), which is used in optical fibers and infrared optics.
• Applications of Germanium:
  • Used in electronics, fiber optics, and infrared devices.
  • Germanium is also used as a catalyst in polymerization reactions.