Which property is true of metals compared to nonmetals?

Metals are known for their distinct properties that set them apart from nonmetals. One of the key characteristics of metals is their high luster, which gives them a shiny appearance. This luster results from their ability to reflect light effectively. Additionally, metals are excellent conductors of electricity and heat due to the presence of free-moving electrons within their structure. This characteristic allows metals to easily transfer energy, making them ideal materials for electrical wiring and various thermal applications.

In contrast, nonmetals typically lack luster and are often dull in appearance. Furthermore, many nonmetals are poor conductors of electricity, highlighting another significant difference between the two categories of elements. While some nonmetals exist as gases at room temperature, many metals are solid and have a more uniform physical state. The combination of high luster, good electrical conductivity, and solid state at room temperature is what firmly establishes metals distinctively in comparison to nonmetals.