Which of the following is a common property of metals?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The statement that metals are good conductors of heat and electricity is true and highlights a fundamental property characteristic of metals. This conductivity is due to the structure of metals, which have a sea of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the metallic lattice. These mobile electrons facilitate the flow of electric current and transfer thermal energy efficiently, making metals excellent conductors.

In contrast to metals, many nonmetals exist as gases at room temperature, while metals are typically solid. Metals are also ductile, meaning they can be drawn into wires without breaking, which is contrary to the property of being brittle. Furthermore, metals generally exhibit lower ionization energies compared to nonmetals, allowing them to lose electrons easily and form positive ions. Understanding these differences helps clarify why good conductivity is a distinguishing feature of metals.

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