Which of the following statements correctly compares the properties of metals to those of nonmetals?

• A. Metals have low melting points, while nonmetals have high melting points.
• B. Metals usually gain electrons to form anions, while nonmetals lose electrons to form cations.
• C. Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals are poor conductors.
• D. Metals tend to be brittle, whereas nonmetals are usually malleable.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the general properties of metals and nonmetals. Metals are typically good conductors of electricity and heat, malleable, ductile, and have high melting points. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are usually poor conductors, brittle in solid form, and have lower melting points compared to metals.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Metals have low melting points, while nonmetals have high melting points.' This is generally incorrect because metals often have high melting points, and nonmetals tend to have lower melting points.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'Metals usually gain electrons to form anions, while nonmetals lose electrons to form cations.' This is incorrect because metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, and nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form anions.
4. Step 4: Analyze the third statement: 'Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, while nonmetals are poor conductors.' This is correct and aligns with the typical electrical conductivity properties of metals and nonmetals.
5. Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement: 'Metals tend to be brittle, whereas nonmetals are usually malleable.' This is incorrect because metals are malleable and ductile, while nonmetals are usually brittle in solid form.