Which of the following best describes a unique property of metalloids on the periodic table?

• A. They are excellent conductors of electricity like metals.
• B. They exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
• C. They are always found as diatomic molecules in nature.
• D. They have completely filled valence electron shells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metalloids are elements found along the zig-zag line dividing metals and nonmetals on the periodic table.
2. Recall that metals are generally good conductors of electricity, malleable, and have metallic luster, while nonmetals are poor conductors and have different physical properties.
3. Recognize that metalloids have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals, meaning they can exhibit characteristics of both groups depending on the conditions.
4. Note that metalloids are not typically found as diatomic molecules in nature; this is a property more common to some nonmetals like oxygen or nitrogen.
5. Understand that having completely filled valence electron shells is a property of noble gases, not metalloids.