Which of the following lists contains only the element symbols for metalloids?

• A. Fe, Cu, Zn, Ag, Au
• B. Na, Mg, Al, Si, P
• C. B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te
• D. C, N, O, F, Ne

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, often found along the 'stair-step' line on the periodic table.
2. Identify the element symbols given in each list and determine whether each element is a metalloid or not.
3. For the list 'Fe, Cu, Zn, Ag, Au', recognize that these are all transition metals, so none are metalloids.
4. For the list 'Na, Mg, Al, Si, P', note that Na, Mg, and Al are metals, P is a nonmetal, and only Si is a metalloid.
5. For the list 'B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Te', verify that all these elements are classified as metalloids, making this the correct list of metalloids.