What are non-metals?

Non-metals are elements that lack most of the properties of metals. They are located on the right side of the periodic table, and examples include hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, sulfur, and selenium.

Here are some of their properties:

1. Physical Properties:

   • Non-metals are not lustrous, they are dull.
   • They are not malleable or ductile, they are brittle.
   • They are not good conductors of heat and electricity.
   • They may exist in any state of matter at room temperature.

2. Chemical Properties:

   • Non-metals tend to gain or share electrons with other atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration.
   • They usually form acidic or neutral oxides.
   • They have high ionization energies and electronegativities.

These properties make non-metals crucial for many processes and substances, including water, air, and all living organisms.