How is a ceramic defined in chemistry?

A ceramic is defined in chemistry as an inorganic non-metallic solid. This definition encompasses materials that are typically made from clay, oxides, carbides, nitrides, and other inorganic compounds. Ceramics are often created through the process of firing, which involves heating these materials to high temperatures to induce chemical and physical changes that result in a hard, durable product.

In contrast to metals, which are characterized by metallic bonding and the ability to conduct electricity, ceramics are generally poor conductors and are defined by their ionic or covalent bonding, leading to properties such as high melting points, low thermal and electrical conductivity, and significant hardness. Ceramics are also typically resistant to chemical corrosion and wear, making them useful in a variety of applications ranging from pottery and tiles to advanced materials used in aerospace and electronics.

The other options are not suitable definitions for ceramics. A metallic compound would imply characteristics associated with metals, while an organic material typically pertains to compounds containing carbon and hydrogen. A gaseous compound does not fit the physical state of ceramics, which are solid at room temperature. Thus, the characterization of ceramics as inorganic non-metallic solids is accurate and aligns with their inherent properties and definitions in chemistry.