EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Silicon is a typical metalloid (see figure below). It has luster like a metal, but is brittle like a nonmetal. Silicon is used extensively in computer chips and other electronics because its electrical conductivity is in between that of a metal and a nonmetal.

Detailed explanation-2: -Silicon has a shiny luster, but it is brittle and conducts electricity poorly. Some metalloids change their characteristics when they react with different elements.

Detailed explanation-3: -Metalloids are metallic-looking brittle solids that are either semiconductors or exist in semiconducting forms, and have amphoteric or weakly acidic oxides. Typical nonmetals have a dull, coloured or colourless appearance; are brittle when solid; are poor conductors of heat and electricity; and have acidic oxides.

Detailed explanation-4: -Manganese is a shiny element that conducts heat and electricity well and can be hammered into thin sheets. Silicon is dull, metallic element that is brittle and shatters when shaped.