Non-metals are usually

Non-metals are usually

• A. Usually Gases and Good Conductors
• B. Dense Solids That Conduct Electricity Well
• C. Shiny and Malleable
• D. Usually Gases or Brittle Solids That Do Not Conduct Electricity Well

Answer: (D)

Main idea: Non-metals typically show little ability to conduct electricity and tend to be gases or brittle solids at room temperature. This happens because they lack the free-moving electrons that metals have, so electric charges don’t move easily through them. Many non-metals exist as gases (like oxygen or nitrogen) or as solids that are brittle rather than malleable. There are occasional exceptions, such as carbon in graphite, which can conduct electricity, but the general pattern is that non-metals are usually gases or brittle solids that do not conduct electricity well. That’s why this statement best matches their common behavior.

Main idea: Non-metals typically show little ability to conduct electricity and tend to be gases or brittle solids at room temperature. This happens because they lack the free-moving electrons that metals have, so electric charges don’t move easily through them. Many non-metals exist as gases (like oxygen or nitrogen) or as solids that are brittle rather than malleable. There are occasional exceptions, such as carbon in graphite, which can conduct electricity, but the general pattern is that non-metals are usually gases or brittle solids that do not conduct electricity well. That’s why this statement best matches their common behavior.