Final answer:
The two examples of metalloids are silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge), which makes the correct answer to the student's question option (a). Metalloids like Si and Ge have properties of both metals and nonmetals, such as luster and brittleness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Semi-conductors, often referred to as semiconductors, are materials that exhibit properties of both metals and nonmetals. These substances are particularly significant in digital electronics, such as computers. Two classic examples of metalloids, also known as semi-metals, are silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge). Metalloids have intermediate properties between those of metals and nonmetals. Therefore, silicon and germanium are correctly classified as metalloids because they display properties such as having a luster like metals but being brittle like nonmetals, which is a distinguishing characteristic of metalloids.
Considering the options provided to the student's question, the correct answer is (a) Ge and Si, since both germanium (Ge) and silicon (Si) are well-known metalloids on the periodic table, positioned along the stair-step line that distinguishes metals from nonmetals.