Which physical property of metalloids is most similar to that of nonmetals?

• A. They have high malleability.
• B. They exhibit metallic luster.
• C. They are generally poor conductors of electricity.
• D. They are highly ductile.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the categories involved: metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
2. Step 2: Recall typical physical properties of nonmetals, such as poor electrical conductivity, lack of metallic luster, brittleness, and low malleability and ductility.
3. Step 3: Recall typical physical properties of metals, such as good electrical conductivity, metallic luster, malleability, and ductility.
4. Step 4: Compare the physical properties of metalloids to those of nonmetals and metals, focusing on which property metalloids share most closely with nonmetals.
5. Step 5: Identify that metalloids are generally poor conductors of electricity, which aligns with the nonmetal property of poor electrical conductivity.