Which group of elements generally has low conductivity and can be gases at room temperature?

Which group of elements generally has low conductivity and can be gases at room temperature?

• A. Non-metals
• B. Metals
• C. Metalloids
• D. Noble gases

Answer: (A)

The key idea is electrical conductivity across the element groups. Non-metals typically have low electrical conductivity because they lack the free-moving electrons that metals rely on to conduct electricity. This broad category also includes elements that are gases at room temperature—for example, oxygen and nitrogen—along with others that are liquids or solids. While noble gases (a subset of non-metals) are certainly gases at room temperature, the statement describes the general behavior of the whole group: low conductivity and the possibility of existing as gases at room temperature. Metals conduct well and are usually solid; metalloids have intermediate properties, so they don’t fit the general trend as well. That’s why non-metals is the best match.

The key idea is electrical conductivity across the element groups. Non-metals typically have low electrical conductivity because they lack the free-moving electrons that metals rely on to conduct electricity. This broad category also includes elements that are gases at room temperature—for example, oxygen and nitrogen—along with others that are liquids or solids. While noble gases (a subset of non-metals) are certainly gases at room temperature, the statement describes the general behavior of the whole group: low conductivity and the possibility of existing as gases at room temperature. Metals conduct well and are usually solid; metalloids have intermediate properties, so they don’t fit the general trend as well. That’s why non-metals is the best match.