What property do nonmetals share regarding their physical state at room temperature?

What property do nonmetals share regarding their physical state at room temperature?

• A. They are all solids
• B. They are all gases
• C. They can be gases, liquids, or solids
• D. They are all conductive metals

Answer: (C)

Nonmetals exhibit a range of physical states at room temperature, which is a defining characteristic of this category of elements. Specifically, nonmetals can exist as gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen; liquids, like bromine; and solids, including carbon and sulfur. This diversity reflects the varying types of bonding and intermolecular forces present in nonmetals, which contribute to their different states. The ability of nonmetals to exist in all three physical states is a key differentiator from metals, which are predominantly solid at room temperature and are conductive due to their metallic bonding and free-moving electrons. Thus, the statement that nonmetals can be gases, liquids, or solids accurately describes their physical state variations at room temperature.

Nonmetals exhibit a range of physical states at room temperature, which is a defining characteristic of this category of elements. Specifically, nonmetals can exist as gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen; liquids, like bromine; and solids, including carbon and sulfur. This diversity reflects the varying types of bonding and intermolecular forces present in nonmetals, which contribute to their different states. The ability of nonmetals to exist in all three physical states is a key differentiator from metals, which are predominantly solid at room temperature and are conductive due to their metallic bonding and free-moving electrons. Thus, the statement that nonmetals can be gases, liquids, or solids accurately describes their physical state variations at room temperature.