Question

which of the following is a general characteristic of nonmetals rather than metals?
in combination with hydrogen or with hydrogen and oxygen, they all form acids.
they replace the hydrogen of acids when involved in a chemical reaction.
theyre very malleable and ductile and have great mechanical strength.
theyre excellent conductors of heat and electricity.

Explanation:

• Metals replace hydrogen from acids (displacement reaction), so this is a metal property.
• Malleability, ductility, and high mechanical strength are key physical properties of metals.
• Excellent heat and electrical conductivity is a defining physical property of most metals.
• Nonmetals, when combined with H (or H and O), form acidic compounds (e.g., $\text{HCl}$, $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$), which is a general nonmetal characteristic.

Answer:

In combination with hydrogen or with hydrogen and oxygen, they all form acids.