As a subject matter expert in the field of materials science, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the electrical conductivity of nonmetals.

Electrical conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct an electric current. It is determined by the number of free electrons available to move within the material. Metals are generally good conductors of electricity because they have a large number of free electrons that can move easily through the metal lattice, allowing for the flow of electric current.

Nonmetals, on the other hand, are typically poor conductors of electricity. This is due to the fact that nonmetals have fewer free electrons compared to metals. In nonmetallic elements, electrons are more tightly bound to their atoms, which means they are less likely to move freely and conduct electricity.

However, it's important to note that there is a group of elements that fall between metals and nonmetals, known as metalloids. Metalloids have properties that are intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. They can be semiconductors, which means they have electrical conductivity that falls between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are materials that are of great importance in the electronics industry because they can control the flow of electricity, making them ideal for use in various electronic devices and components.

The statement provided mentions that metalloids are "metallic-looking brittle solids that are either semiconductors or exist in semiconducting forms, and have amphoteric or weakly acidic oxides." This is accurate. Metalloids such as silicon, germanium, and boron have a metallic luster and are brittle, similar to nonmetals. However, their ability to conduct electricity is more akin to that of a semiconductor, which is why they are used extensively in the semiconductor industry.

Typical nonmetals, as described, have a "dull, coloured or colourless appearance; are brittle when solid; are poor conductors of heat and electricity; and have acidic oxides." This characterization is also correct. Nonmetals like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur are indeed poor conductors of heat and electricity. Their electrons are not free to move around as they are in metals, which is why they do not conduct electricity well.

In summary, while metals are good conductors of electricity, nonmetals are generally poor conductors. Metalloids, which have properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, can be semiconductors and are used in the electronics industry for their ability to control the flow of electricity.

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Metalloids are metallic-looking brittle solids that are either semiconductors or exist in semiconducting forms, and have amphoteric or weakly acidic oxides. Typical nonmetals have a dull, coloured or colourless appearance; are brittle when solid; are poor conductors of heat and electricity; and have acidic oxides.read more >>