Question

An element is a metal or not is finally determined by whether it is hard and shiny or not. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer 1

Yes, I agree. Generally, all metals are hard and shining, except few exceptions like sodium which can be cut through a knife and zinc which can break even with a little pressure. On the other hand, non-metals don't shine and are not much hard. So, we can know if a substance is a metal or not by determining if it is hard and shining or not.