In general properties of metals, which of the following is a characteristic property of most common metals?

Introduction / Context:

This question reviews basic school level chemistry and physics about the general properties of metals. Many common metals share a set of characteristic features that distinguish them from non metals. This knowledge is useful in material selection, engineering design, and everyday reasoning about why certain objects are made from metal rather than plastic, glass, or wood.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are discussing typical metals such as copper, aluminium, iron, and silver, not rare exceptions.
• The listed properties are conductivity, malleability, and luster.
• The question asks which description best matches most metals overall.

Concept / Approach:

Metals have a specific type of atomic structure with positive ions in a sea of delocalised electrons. This structure explains many familiar properties. Delocalised electrons move easily, giving high electrical and thermal conductivity. The metallic bonds are non directional, allowing layers of atoms to slide over one another without breaking, which leads to malleability and ductility. The way electrons interact with light produces a shiny surface, known as metallic luster. Since these three properties are all true for most metals, the correct option must recognise all of them together.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Look at familiar examples. Copper conducts electricity in household wiring, shows metallic shine when polished, and can be drawn into wires or beaten into sheets. Aluminium utensils conduct heat well, are shiny, and can be rolled into foil. Steel can be formed into many shapes by hammering and rolling, and polished steel is reflective. These everyday observations confirm that conductivity, malleability, and luster are all characteristic of metals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• High electrical and thermal conductivity alone is not sufficient to summarise all properties, even though it is correct.
• Malleability alone emphasises only shaping behaviour, not electrical or visual behaviour.
• Luster alone focuses only on appearance and ignores other important metallic features.

Common Pitfalls:

Students may try to pick one property that seems the most important, forgetting that the question asks for a property of most metals in general. Another mistake is to confuse malleability with ductility. Both are related to the ability to change shape without breaking, but malleability refers to hammering into sheets, while ductility refers to drawing into wires. In this case, all three listed features are valid, so the combined option is correct.

Final Answer:

Most metals show high conductivity, malleability, and luster, so all of the above is correct.