Which term best describes the physical property of most covalent compounds?

• A. Resilient
• B. Brittle
• C. Warm
• D. Cold

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that physical properties describe how a substance behaves or appears without changing its chemical identity.
2. Recall that covalent compounds typically have low melting and boiling points and do not conduct electricity in solid or liquid form.
3. Consider the mechanical behavior of covalent compounds: they tend to break or shatter rather than bend or deform when force is applied.
4. Recognize that the term 'brittle' describes materials that break easily under stress without significant deformation.
5. Conclude that 'brittle' is the best term to describe the physical property of most covalent compounds.