At room temperature, in which two states of matter do nonmetals commonly exist?

• A. Liquid and plasma
• B. Solid and liquid
• C. Gas and plasma
• D. Solid and gas

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the common physical states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
2. Understand that nonmetals can exist in different states depending on temperature and pressure conditions.
3. At room temperature, many nonmetals such as sulfur and phosphorus are solids, while others like oxygen and nitrogen are gases.
4. Nonmetals rarely exist as liquids at room temperature because their melting points are usually either well below or above room temperature.
5. Plasma is a high-energy state of matter not commonly found under normal room temperature conditions for nonmetals.