Which of the following best describes the properties of metalloids?

• A. They react vigorously with water to form basic solutions.
• B. They are generally brittle and do not conduct electricity.
• C. They have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
• D. They are excellent conductors of electricity like metals.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metalloids are elements with properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
2. Recall that metals typically conduct electricity well and are malleable, while nonmetals are usually poor conductors and brittle.
3. Recognize that metalloids can have a mix of these properties, such as being semiconductors, which means they conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals.
4. Note that metalloids do not typically react vigorously with water to form basic solutions, which is a property more common to some metals.
5. Conclude that the best description of metalloids is that they have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.