Final answer:
Elements with low degrees of freedom and high intermolecular forces are solids at room temperature because their particles are tightly held together and do not move freely.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elements that have a low degree of freedom and high intermolecular forces between their molecules will be solids at room temperature. Low degrees of freedom means that the particles are not able to move around freely, which is characteristic of the solid state. High intermolecular forces further support this; these forces cause particles to be held together tightly, implying a substance that retains a definite shape and volume, like a solid. In contrast, liquids have particles that can slide over one another, and gases have particles that are well separated and move about freely. Plasmas, composed of ionized particles, are similar to gases in their freedom of motion but occur at much higher temperatures and energies than standard room temperature conditions. Finally, zirconia (zirconium dioxide, ZrO2) is a specific type of solid known for its high melting point and strength.