What best describes the physical state of metals at room temperature?

Metals are primarily characterized by their solid state at room temperature. This property is due to the strong metallic bonds that hold the atoms together in a structured arrangement, allowing them to maintain a definite shape and volume. Most metals, such as iron, copper, and aluminum, solidify at room temperature and have relatively high melting points.

While there are exceptions in the realm of materials, such as mercury, which is a metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature, these are not the norm for metals as a class. The majority are indeed solid, which aligns with the description that most accurately represents their physical state under standard conditions. Therefore, identifying metals as solid at room temperature reflects a fundamental understanding of their properties in chemistry and materials science.