Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which of the following elements is classified as a metalloid in the periodic table?
Germanium
Gallium
Gold
Gadolinium
Germanium
Germanium is classified as a metalloid because it possesses properties intermediate between metals and non-metals, particularly in its electrical conductivity. Metalloids, also known as semi-metals, typically include Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, and Polonium.
Germanium is classified as a metalloid because it possesses properties intermediate between metals and non-metals, particularly in its electrical conductivity. Metalloids, also known as semi-metals, typically include Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, and Polonium.
The periodic table is arranged by Henry Moseley based on the atomic number, which fundamentally defines the electronic configuration and chemical properties of elements like Germanium (Atomic Number 32).
Metalloids are located along the zigzag line that separates metals from non-metals in the periodic table.
Germanium is a semiconductor widely used in fiber-optic systems, infrared optics, and solar cell applications.
The physical appearance of Germanium is a lustrous, brittle, grayish-white solid under standard conditions.
Gallium (Option B) is a post-transition metal known for its low melting point, allowing it to melt in the human hand.
Gold (Option C) is a highly ductile and malleable transition metal located in Group 11 of the periodic table.
Gadolinium (Option D) is a lanthanide series metal belonging to the f-block elements, primarily used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
The classification of elements as metalloids is based on their ability to conduct electricity under specific conditions, unlike pure conductors (metals) or insulators (non-metals).
A is correct тАФ Germanium acts as a semiconductor and is officially classified as a metalloid in the periodic table.
When studying chemistry for competitive exams, always distinguish between p-block metalloids (like Germanium) and d-block transition metals (like Gold) as they are frequently tested in RRB and SSC Science sections.