Final answer:
The physical property of metals useful in electrical circuits is their conductivity, due to the ease of movement of free electrons, making metals ideal for creating electrical wires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic physical property of metals that reflects their usefulness in electrical circuits is their conductivity. Metals, such as copper, are excellent conductors of electricity due to their free electrons, which can move easily through the metal, allowing electrical current to pass through without significant resistance. This makes metals ideal materials for constructing electrical wires and components. Additionally, metals are known for their shiny metallic lustre, malleability, and ductility, which make them versatile for various applications, including jewelry and coinage.
Metals also exhibit high melting points and densities, further underscoring their role in manufacturing and industrial processes. The sharing of valence electrons among atoms in metallic solids, known as metallic bonding, is responsible for these properties, and it's why metals are commonly used in both electrical and thermal applications.