Question

element 6: boron
properties:

• mostly dull, can be shiny
• brittle solid
• poor conductor at room temp
• semi - conductor at high temps

category:

Explanation:

The problem is about the element Boron and its properties, which falls under Chemistry (a subfield of Natural Science). Boron's properties like being a brittle solid, having conductivity characteristics, etc., are studied in Chemistry to classify elements (e.g., as a metalloid, which matches Boron's category as metalloids have properties between metals and non - metals, like semi - conductivity at high temps, brittle solid state, and mixed luster).

Answer:

Metalloid (Since Boron shows properties of both metals and non - metals: dull (non - metal - like) but can be shiny, brittle solid (non - metal - like), poor conductor at room temp (non - metal - like) but semi - conductor at high temps (metal - like in conductivity at high temps), so it is classified as a metalloid.)