What is a common property of metals?

Enhance your chemistry understanding for your upcoming exam. Utilize multiple-choice questions and explanations. Prepare confidently for success!

Metals are characterized by their ability to conduct electricity and heat efficiently. This property stems from their atomic structure; metals have a sea of delocalized electrons that are free to move throughout the metal lattice. This mobility allows them to transfer heat and electrical energy effectively. Because of this property, metals are commonly used in electrical wiring and in applications that require heat resistance.

In contrast, the other options describe properties that are typically not associated with metals. High electronegativity is more characteristic of nonmetals, as metals tend to lose electrons rather than attract them. Low density and melting points are also more commonly found in nonmetals; most metals have higher densities and melting points due to their packed atomic structures. Lastly, while some metals may be soft, they are generally known for their hardness and lustrous appearance, contrary to the properties mentioned in the last option. Therefore, good conductivity of electricity and heat is a definitive and common property of metals.

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