Question

a new element has been discovered that is a semiconductor, brittle as a solid and has a medium luster. where on the periodic table could this element be found? options: in columns 1-3, because it is a metal; in column 17, because it is a nonmetal; in columns 13-16, because it is a metalloid; in column 18, because it is a noble gas (periodic table image present)

Explanation:

The element is a semiconductor, brittle solid, and has medium luster, which are properties of metalloids. Metalloids are found in columns 13 - 16 of the periodic table (e.g., B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te). Columns 1 - 3 have metals (malleable, good conductors), column 17 has nonmetals (brittle, poor conductors), and column 18 has noble gases (gaseous, inert). So the correct option is the one stating it's in columns 13 - 16 as a metalloid.

Answer:

In columns 13 - 16, because it is a metalloid