Which of the following statements is true regarding the physical state of metals?

The statement that most metals are solids at room temperature is true because, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid at room temperature, the vast majority of metals exhibit a solid state under normal atmospheric conditions. This solid state is characteristic of metals due to their atomic structure, which typically involves closely packed atoms forming a crystalline lattice, leading to properties such as high melting and boiling points.

Metals tend to have a high density and are generally malleable and ductile, reinforcing their solid state properties. The metallic bonds present in metals allow for flexibility without breaking, contributing to their solid form under standard conditions. This solid nature of metals is a key distinguishing feature compared to other categories of elements, such as nonmetals, which include gases and solids but are predominantly found in a gaseous state or as brittle solids at room temperature.

Understanding the physical state of metals highlights their importance in various industrial applications and their behavior in chemical reactions, as they often exhibit different properties compared to nonmetals or metalloids.