How does the number of valence electrons in atoms of metalloids explain why metalloids are semiconductors?
they have one or two valence electrons, so they cannot lose electrons easily.
they have one or two valence electrons, so they can lose or gain electrons.
they have three to six valence electrons, so they cannot lose electrons easily.
they have three to six valence electrons, so they can lose or gain electrons.

 They have three to six valence electrons, so they can lose or gain electrons.

Explanation:  Metalloids are the species which show the properties of both metals and non metals.

These are known as Semiconductors because they have three to six electrons which they can either lose these electrons or gain these electrons in order to complete their octet.

Metalloids are semi conductors becuase they are either not good or bad conductors . They can conduct electricity but not well as that of metals.