In what way do metalloids conduct electricity?

Metalloids have electrical conductivity that lies between that of metals and nonmetals, which is why the statement about them conducting electricity less effectively than metals is accurate. This characteristic is due to their intermediate electrical properties, which allow them to function as semiconductors.

In a metalloid, the presence of some free electrons enables limited electrical conductivity, but not at the same efficiency or level as metals, which have a high density of free electrons that facilitate current flow. The unique ability of metalloids to conduct electricity can be very useful in applications such as electronics, where controlled conductivity is required.

Metalloids such as silicon and germanium are commonly used in semiconductor technology, demonstrating their capacity to conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as varying amounts of temperature or impurities. This makes them valuable in creating components like diodes and transistors, which are foundational to modern electronic devices.