Question

the element germanium is a lustrous, hard, grayish - white solid in the carbon group. it is a semiconductor with an appearance similar to elemental silicon. based on these facts, we should classify germanium as a
a metal
b nonmetal
c metalloid
d rare earth element

Explanation:

Metalloids are elements that have properties between metals and nonmetals, and many are semiconductors. Germanium is in the carbon group, is a semiconductor, and has a metallic appearance but nonmetal-like conductive properties, fitting the metalloid definition. Metals are good conductors, nonmetals are poor conductors, and rare earth elements are the lanthanides/actinides, which germanium is not.

Answer:

C. metalloid