Final answer:
Hydrogen has both metal and nonmetal properties, although it is generally classified as a nonmetal. It exhibits unique chemical behaviors such as forming ionic and covalent bonds with both metals and nonmetals, respectively. The complexity of hydrogen's properties highlights its amphoteric nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that hydrogen (symbol - H) has both metal and nonmetal properties is true. Hydrogen is unique in that it is placed in group 1 of the periodic table but is not an alkali metal. It is generally considered a nonmetal due to its placement and properties. Hydrogen does show some metallic properties under extreme conditions but mostly exhibits nonmetal characteristics, such as forming covalent bonds and being a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Hydrogen forms ionic hydrides with active metals, and covalent compounds with more electronegative nonmetals, highlighting its amphoteric behavior.
While most metals are shiny, malleable, and good conductors of heat and electricity, nonmetals are typically dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Hydrogen, despite being in the same group as the alkali metals, has properties far more aligned with nonmetals, yet under high pressure, it can exhibit metallic behavior. Elements with properties between metals and nonmetals are termed semi-metals or metalloids, but hydrogen is not commonly classified as such. This demonstrates the complexity and the special status of hydrogen on the periodic table.