Final answer:
Both chemical and physical properties are consistent and intrinsic characteristics of an element, whether it is a metal or a nonmetal; hence, the consistency depends on the individual element.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consistency in chemical and physical properties of substances is a fundamental concept in chemistry. When discussing the properties of metals versus nonmetals, it's important to recognize that both chemical and physical properties matter. For example, pure copper, a metal, consistently displays its reddish-brown color, which is a physical property, and reacts with dilute nitric acid in a predictable manner, which is a chemical property. These properties do not solely depend on whether an element is a metal or a nonmetal but are inherent traits of the element itself. Therefore, the statement that consistency of chemical/physical properties of non-metals versus metals depends on the element is true.
Answering the student's original question, the correct option would be:
- Depends on the element