Which of the following statements about metals is correct?

• A. Metals have low melting points compared to nonmetals.
• B. Metals are usually brittle at room temperature.
• C. Metals are generally good conductors of electricity.
• D. Metals tend to gain electrons to form anions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the general properties of metals. Metals typically have high melting points, are malleable and ductile (not brittle), and are good conductors of electricity and heat.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Metals have low melting points compared to nonmetals.' This is generally false because metals usually have higher melting points than nonmetals due to strong metallic bonding.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'Metals are usually brittle at room temperature.' This is incorrect because metals are generally malleable and ductile, meaning they can be bent or stretched without breaking.
4. Step 4: Analyze the third statement: 'Metals are generally good conductors of electricity.' This is true because metals have free-moving valence electrons that allow electric current to flow easily.
5. Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement: 'Metals tend to gain electrons to form anions.' This is false because metals tend to lose electrons to form cations, not gain electrons.