How many metalloids are present on the periodic table?

The periodic table features a specific group of elements known as metalloids, which possess properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. The commonly recognized metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. In some classifications, polonium and astatine may also be included due to their behavior in certain chemical contexts.

Primarily, the six elements (boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium) are widely accepted as metalloids, leading to an understanding that there is a total of six in the periodic table. However, the inclusion of additional elements like polonium and astatine can bring the total to eight in some contexts, particularly in discussions that encompass the broader definitions of metalloid behavior.

Thus, the answer reflecting the total number of recognized metalloids, considering common classifications, is indeed eight. This designation takes into account the properties and behaviors of these elements, which are useful for various applications in chemistry, electronics, and materials science.