Question 33

Nonmetals can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature.

Nonmetals exhibit a variety of states at room temperature, including solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. This versatility is a defining characteristic that differentiates them from metals, which are typically solid at room temperature.

A) They can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature.

This option accurately reflects the general characteristic of nonmetals. Elements such as sulfur and phosphorus are solid, bromine is a liquid, and gases include oxygen and nitrogen, highlighting the diversity of states among nonmetals.

B) They have intermediate electrical conductivity.

This statement does not accurately represent nonmetals. While some nonmetals can conduct electricity to a limited extent (like graphite), the general characteristic of nonmetals is that they are poor conductors, making this option incorrect.

C) They are called semiconductors.

This is misleading as it primarily refers to certain metalloids rather than nonmetals as a whole. While some nonmetals can exhibit semiconducting properties under specific conditions, this is not a defining characteristic of nonmetals themselves.

D) They tend to lose electrons.

This statement is incorrect for nonmetals. In fact, nonmetals typically gain or share electrons during chemical reactions, contrasting with metals, which tend to lose electrons.

Conclusion

The option stating that nonmetals can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature is the only one that accurately encapsulates a fundamental property of nonmetals. All other options either misrepresent nonmetals or apply to specific cases that do not define the group as a whole, confirming option A as the correct choice.