Which of the following does NOT describe a property typically associated with metals?

• A. Malleable and ductile
• B. Good conductor of electricity
• C. Brittle in solid state
• D. Forms basic oxides

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the typical properties of metals. Metals are generally malleable (can be hammered into sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).
2. Step 2: Recognize that metals are good conductors of electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons in their structure.
3. Step 3: Know that metals tend to form basic oxides when they react with oxygen, which means their oxides can react with acids to form salts and water.
4. Step 4: Identify that brittleness (breaking easily without significant deformation) is not a typical property of metals; instead, brittleness is more characteristic of nonmetals or some ceramics.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the property 'Brittle in solid state' does NOT describe a typical property of metals.