Atoms of metallic elements, which have partially-filled valence orbitals, tend to share electrons in all directions with other atoms of that metal, which locks all of them into place to form a solid.

Why are some things solids at room temperature while others are gases?

Each substance is different however, as you have pointed out. Gold is solid at room temperature, mercury is a liquid, and neon is a gas. The reason for the difference is that they all have different elemental properties. ... Since there are no forces, they are free to move around and, therefore, are a gas.

What does solid at room temperature mean?

If both its normal melting point and its normal boiling point are below room temperature (20°C), the substance is a gas under normal conditions. ... If both the normal melting point and the normal boiling point are above room temperature, the substance is a solid.