Elements that exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic qualities are known as what?

Elements that exhibit both metallic and nonmetallic qualities are referred to as metalloids. These elements typically have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals, which allows them to participate in various chemical reactions and form compounds in unique ways.

Metalloids often display a shiny appearance like metals but are brittle rather than malleable or ductile, which is a key indicator of metallic behavior. They can conduct electricity better than nonmetals, though not as well as metals, making them valuable in semiconductor applications. Common examples of metalloids include silicon and germanium, which are essential in the electronics industry.

Understanding the characteristics of metalloids is crucial in distinguishing them from other groups of elements, such as alkali metals, which are highly reactive and possess distinct metallic properties. Noble gases are typically completely nonreactive and lack properties associated with either metals or metalloids, while halogens are highly reactive nonmetals. Therefore, metalloids uniquely bridge the properties of metals and nonmetals, which justifies the chosen answer.