Which of the following describes the state of non-metals?

Non-metals typically exhibit a range of physical properties that differentiate them from metals. One notable characteristic of solid non-metals is their brittleness. When subjected to stress, solid non-metals do not deform or reshape easily; instead, they tend to break or shatter. This contrasts sharply with metals, which are ductile and malleable, allowing them to be stretched or shaped without breaking.

For instance, elements like sulfur or phosphorus, when in solid form, can be easily crushed into powder rather than being molded. This brittleness is largely due to the structure of non-metal atoms, which are held together by covalent bonds in their solid state. These bonds do not allow for the same movement or flexibility that metallic bonds provide in metals.

The other options describe properties that align more closely with metals or may not accurately represent the character of non-metals. Softness can apply to certain non-metals, but it is not universally applicable. Malleability is a property of metals, while the ability to conduct electricity is generally associated with conductive materials, like metals, rather than non-metals, which are usually insulators in their solid state.