An element that has physical and chemical properties of both metals and nonmetals

The element you are referring to is called a metalloid. Metalloids are elements that exhibit characteristics of both metals and nonmetals, making them unique in the periodic table. Common examples of metalloids include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and arsenic (As).

Characteristics of Metalloids:

1. Physical Properties:

   • Metalloids typically have a metallic luster but are brittle, unlike metals which are usually malleable and ductile.
   • They have intermediate electrical conductivity, which can be modified by temperature or the addition of impurities, a property known as semiconductor behavior.

2. Chemical Properties:

   • Metalloids can react with both metals and nonmetals; for instance, silicon can react with metals to form silicides and can also combine with nonmetals to form covalent compounds.
   • They often form alloys with metals and can exhibit oxidation states that allow them to behave as either metals or nonmetals in chemical reactions.

These unique properties of metalloids make them valuable in various technological applications, especially in the semiconductor industry, where elements like silicon are crucial for manufacturing electronic components.