Final answer:
Under other conditions, a metalloid may behave like a non-metal due to their intermediate properties. Metalloids, which have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals, can sometimes act similar to nonmetals, being poor conductors of electricity and heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under other conditions, a metalloid may behave like a non-metal. This is because metalloids exhibit properties that are intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. Metalloids can also be referred to as semimetals. For example, depending on the conditions, elements such as silicon or germanium can exhibit non-metallic characteristics such as being poor conductors of electricity and heat, which aligns with non-metal properties.
Metals, on the other hand, are shiny, good conductors of electricity and heat, as well as being malleable and ductile. Nonmetals are usually dull, brittle, and bad conductors, existing in various states including gases (like chlorine), liquids (like bromine), or solids (like iodine) under normal conditions.
Noble gases and halogens are specific types of nonmetals that show distinct properties; for instance, noble gases are monatomic, and halogens exist as diatomic molecules or more significant aggregates in different states.