Ima

What are Non-Metals?

Non-metals are elements that do NOT have the shiny, hard, and strong properties of metals.

They are almost the opposite of metals!

Properties of Non-Metals

1. They are dull

They do not shine like metals.Example: Carbon, sulfur.

2. They are poor conductors

They do easily.Example: Rubber, wood (not elements, but non-metal materials).

3. They are brittle

If solid, they break easily.They are not strong like metals.

4. They can exist in all states

Non-metals can be:

• Solid → Carbon, sulfur

• Liquid → Bromine

• Gas → Oxygen, nitrogen

5. They have low melting and boiling points

They melt easily compared to metals.

Examples of Non-Metals

• Oxygen (O₂)

• Nitrogen (N₂)

• Carbon (C)

• Sulfur (S)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Chlorine (Cl₂)

• Bromine (Br₂) — (the only liquid non-metal!)

Fun Fact!

Diamond, the hardest natural material on Earth, is made of a non-metal → Carbon!