Final answer:
Metals are elements that are shiny, lustrous, malleable, and ductile, and they conduct heat and electricity well, which makes them useful for creating jewelry and electrical wires. They can form ionic compounds with nonmetals due to their tendency to lose electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements described in the question are metals. These elements are known for being shiny and lustrous, which is why they are often used to make jewelry. Metals are typically solid at room temperature, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid. Additionally, metals are malleable, meaning they can be hammered into sheets, and ductile, meaning they can be drawn out into wires. This makes metals like copper indispensable for creating electrical conducting wires. Furthermore, metals are good conductors of both heat and electricity, which is central to their wide range of applications in various industries.
Another important property of metals is that they tend to lose electrons and form ionic compounds when they react with nonmetals. With variable hardness and melting temperatures, metals exhibit a vast range of physical properties that make them versatile for many uses.