To classify an unknown substance as a metal or a nonmetal, a group of students prepared the table shown. The table compares the properties of four known substances to the properties of the unknown substance.
Substance Substance Type State at Room Temperature Reaction with Water Reaction with Oxygen Electric Conductor
Sodium
Metal
Solid
Violent release of gas
Yes
White solid
Zinc
Metal
Solid
None
White solid
Yes
Nitrogen Nonmetal
Gas
None
Reddish-brown gas
No
Sulphur Nonmetal
Solid
None
Colorless gas
No
Unknown
Unknown
Solid
None
Yes
Brown solid
On the basis of the table, the students concluded that the unknown substance is most likely a metal.
What is most likely the reasoning the students used to classify the unknown substance as a metal?
A. The unknown substance reacts with oxygen.
OB. The unknown substance conducts electricity.
O C. The unknown substance does not react with water.
O D. The unknown substance is a solid at room temperature.