Which group of elements is characterized by elements like boron, silicon, and germanium?

The group of elements characterized by boron, silicon, and germanium is known as semimetals. Semimetals, also referred to as metalloids, have properties that are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. This unique position on the periodic table gives them a combination of metallic and nonmetallic characteristics.

For instance, boron, silicon, and germanium all exhibit electrical conductivity that is better than nonmetals but not as high as metals, which makes them valuable in semiconductor applications. Silicon is particularly important in electronics and computer technology due to its semiconductor properties.

In contrast, the other groups listed in the options each have distinct properties that do not align with the characteristics of boron, silicon, and germanium. Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals typically found in group 17 of the periodic table, whereas noble gases are inert gases located in group 18. Nonmetals are elements that lack the typical metallic properties and include a range of elements, but they do not capture the intermediate properties exhibited by the semimetals. Thus, the correct group identifying boron, silicon, and germanium is indeed semimetals.