Nonmetals are best described as

• A. Shiny, good conductors and malleable
• B. Located on the left side
• C. Dull, poor conductors and brittle
• D. Found along the stair step line

Answer: (C)

Nonmetals are typically dull in appearance, do not conduct heat or electricity well, and are brittle as solids. This combination sets them apart from metals, which are shiny, malleable, and good conductors. In fact, many nonmetals exist as gases at room temperature (like oxygen and nitrogen), while others are brittle solids (such as sulfur or phosphorus). The description provided captures these common properties. Statements about being on the left side or along the stair-step line describe different parts of the periodic table or metalloid behavior, not the general traits of nonmetals.