What class of elements can have properties of both metals and nonmetals?(be careful, spelling counts)

The class of elements that can exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals is called "metalloids." Metalloids, also known as semimetals, possess a mixture of characteristics from both metals and nonmetals, which makes them unique and versatile in various applications.

Metalloids are typically located along the zig-zag line on the periodic table, which separates metals from nonmetals. Common examples of metalloids include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and tellurium (Te). These elements often have metallic luster but are brittle, unlike true metals. They are also semiconductors, meaning they can conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals. This property makes metalloids essential for the electronics industry, where they are used in the fabrication of semiconductors and integrated circuits. Their ability to form alloys with metals and compounds with nonmetals further emphasizes their dual nature, highlighting their importance in both chemical and physical processes.