While finding the various types of elements, those with dull or light physical appearance are non-metals. We explained the entire physical and chemical properties of a metal. In this guide, you’ll read through the various physical and chemical properties of non-metals. Non-metals in the periodic table include halogens, hydrogen, oxygen, and noble gases. Let’s read through the various properties associated with the non-metals.
Also read:-
Physical and Chemical Properties of Metals
Physics Properties
Following up with the physical properties of non-metals, here are the main ones.
- Non-metals have high ionization energies
- They have high electronegativities
- Poor conductors of electricity and heat
- Non-metals are good insulators, i.e., a poor conductor of electricity
- They have a low density and have lightweight
- They are weak and brittle solids, i.e., tend to easily break or shatter
- Non-metals are not good conductors of sound
- They tend to gain electrons
- Non-metals are good oxidizing agents
- They have 4-8 electrons in their outermost shell
- Maybe solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature
- Non- sonorous
- Transparent
Chemical Properties
Besides the above-quoted physical properties, there are many chemical properties of the non-metals that you must know.
- 4-8 electrons in the outermost shell
- The tendency to gain or lose valence electrons
- Form acidic oxides win contact with oxygen
- High electronegative elements
- Great oxidizing agents
- Non-metals with high electronegativity react with alkali and alkaline earth metals to form ionic solids
- Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile
- They tend to react more with metals than with non-metals
- Hence, they tend to react with other non-metals in high temperature
- Most non-metals do not react with air at room temperature
- The only non-metal that reacts with air to form its oxide by burning is phosphorus
- Non-metals do not react with water. Exception: Chlorine .. since it dissolves in water to form an acidic solution
- They have low density
- Non-metals do not form alloys, but some exceptions like carbon, silicon, and phosphorous do.
- They exist in all states of matter at the room temperature
- Distinct non-metals have distinct reactions
Position of Non-metals in Periodic Table
In the modern periodic table, the positioning of the non-metals is done to occupy the upper right-hand corner. This portion of the periodic table includes the non-metal group, the halogens, and the noble gases. Moreso, the non-metal element group, is said to be the subset of these elements. The non-metal element group comprises hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur, and selenium. As an exception, hydrogen acts as a non-metal at normal temperatures and pressure.
If you need more help with your chemistry-related topics, you can seek instant online assignment help from us. We have a team of professionals who can help you with any field of study. Chat with us now!
