Question

the design of a new computer processor requires that electric current be carefully controlled. why might an engineer want to use a metalloid when designing a new computer processor?
metalloids are amphoteric.
metalloids are semiconductors.
metalloids are brittle.
metalloids are shiny.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option "Metalloids are amphoteric": Amphoteric nature (reacting as acid or base) is irrelevant to controlling electric current in a computer processor.
• Option "Metalloids are semiconductors": Semiconductors can control the flow of electric current (conduct under certain conditions, insulate under others), which is crucial for computer processors to manage current flow.
• Option "Metalloids are brittle": Brittleness (a physical property related to breaking) has no bearing on current control.
• Option "Metalloids are shiny": Shininess (a physical appearance property) does not relate to current control.

So the correct option is the one about metalloids being semiconductors as it directly relates to controlling electric current in a processor.

Answer:

Metalloids are semiconductors.