Which lists only metalloids?
A. Arsenic (As), sulfur (S), and polonium
B. (Po) antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), and gallium(Ga)
C. boron (B), germanium (Ge), and tellurium (Te)
D. polonium (Po), aluminum (Al), and silicon (Si)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Boron (B), Germanium (Ge), and Tellurium (Te).
Explanation:
Metalloids, also known as semimetals, are elements that exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. They are typically found along the “staircase” line on the periodic table, which separates metals from nonmetals. This line starts at boron (B) and runs diagonally down to polonium (Po).
To analyze the answer choices:
- A. Arsenic (As), sulfur (S), and polonium (Po):
- Arsenic (As) is a metalloid.
- Sulfur (S) is a nonmetal.
- Polonium (Po) is a metalloid.
- Since sulfur is not a metalloid, this is an incorrect answer.
- B. Polonium (Po), Antimony (Sb), Tellurium (Te), and Gallium (Ga):
- Polonium (Po) is a metalloid.
- Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid.
- Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid.
- Gallium (Ga) is a metal, not a metalloid.
- Because gallium is not a metalloid, this choice is also incorrect.
- C. Boron (B), Germanium (Ge), and Tellurium (Te):
- Boron (B) is a metalloid.
- Germanium (Ge) is a metalloid.
- Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid.
- All three elements in this option are metalloids, making this the correct answer.
- D. Polonium (Po), Aluminum (Al), and Silicon (Si):
- Polonium (Po) is a metalloid.
- Aluminum (Al) is a metal, not a metalloid.
- Silicon (Si) is a metalloid.
- Since aluminum is not a metalloid, this answer is incorrect.
Why Boron, Germanium, and Tellurium are Metalloids:
- Boron (B): Located in Group 13 of the periodic table, boron has properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is a poor conductor of electricity, but it can conduct electricity under certain conditions, which is characteristic of metalloids.
- Germanium (Ge): Found in Group 14, germanium is used in electronics due to its semiconducting properties. It behaves like a metal under some conditions but also has nonmetallic characteristics, making it a metalloid.
- Tellurium (Te): This element is a metalloid because it shares properties with both metals and nonmetals. It is a semiconductor and has metallic luster but is brittle like a nonmetal.
Thus, option C correctly lists only metalloids.