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Silicon and germanium are described as semi-metals because they exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. They can conduct electricity like metals but are not as efficient as true metals. They also have some nonmetallic characteristics such as brittle structure and lower conductivity compared to true metals.

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Q: Why are silicon and germanium described as semi-metals?
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Related questions

What are the eight semimetals?

Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, Polonium, Astatine


Where is semimetals on the periodic table?

Silicon (S) Germanium (Ge) This is above and below the zigzag line on the 4th row across.


What is another name for semimetals?

Another name for semimetals is metalloids. These elements exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals, such as being semiconductors and having intermediate conductivity. Examples of metalloids include silicon, arsenic, and germanium.


Where are semimetals found?

They are surrounding the staircase line in the periodic table. But not all of them are semimetals. Boron(B), Silicon(Si), Germanium(Ge), Arsenic(As), Antimony(Sb) and Tellurium(Te) are semimetals. Aluminum(Al) and Polonium(Po) are metals. The remaining ones surrounding the staircase line are non-metals.


Metalloids are also called?

Metalloid elements are called so because they share properties of both metals and nonmetals. Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, and Polonium make up most of the metalloids.


Where is germanium and silicon located in computer chips?

Germanium is not used in integrated circuits. Silicon is.


What elements r semi metals?

Semimetals (often called "metalloids") span the gap between metals and non-metals in the periodic table. The semimetals are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. Polonium is also often considered a semimetal. See, e.g.: http://chemistry.about.com/od/elementgroups/a/metalloids.htm


What element is used in making transistors and chips?

Silicon and Germanium are the elements used in transistors


What has more shells or rings germanium or silicon?

germanium


The modern name for eka-silicon?

Germanium.


Does zirconium and osmium belong to metalloids or semimetals on the periodic table?

Zirconium and osmium do not belong to metalloids or semimetals; they are both transition metals located in the d-block of the periodic table. Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals, while semimetals refer to elements like silicon and germanium that have properties between metals and nonmetals.


Is silicon a semiconductor?

Yes,silicon and germanium are semiconductors.