Nonmetals
Definition and meaning of Nonmetals in chemistry.
Nonmetals are elements that act completely differently from typical metals. They do not bend easily, they do not shine, and they block the flow of electricity. You can find them gathered together on the far right side of the periodic table.
In more detail
Most of the elements you encounter in daily life are actually metals. However, the nonmetals are incredibly important for all living things on Earth. This group includes invisible gases like oxygen and nitrogen that fill our air.
It includes dark liquids like bromine and brittle solids like carbon and sulfur. Metals love to give away their electrons to form positive ions. Nonmetals hold onto their electrons very tightly because they have high ionization energies.
This strong grip means it is very hard to pull an electron away from them. Instead of losing electrons, nonmetals prefer to steal electrons from metals to form ionic bonds. They also happily share electrons with other nonmetals to create strong covalent bonds.
Nonmetals are generally terrible at conducting heat and electricity. The only major exception is graphite, which is a special form of solid carbon. Graphite has free electrons that let it conduct electricity surprisingly well.
The nonmetal category includes hydrogen, the halogens, and the noble gases. It also includes specific elements from other groups like oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen. Students often think all nonmetals are gases, but many are actually solid at room temperature.
Key facts
| Field | Inorganic Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Periodic table location | Mainly the right side in groups 14 to 18 |
| Exception location | Hydrogen sits on the far left in group 1 |
| Conductivity | Poor electrical and thermal conductors |
| Important exception | Graphite conducts electricity very well |
| Typical bonding | Covalent sharing or ionic stealing of electrons |
Oxygen and nitrogen are two extremely common nonmetals that make up our atmosphere. Nitrogen makes up roughly seventy-eight percent of the air you breathe. Oxygen makes up most of the rest and keeps all animals alive. Both elements readily share electrons to form vital covalent compounds. Oxygen bonds with hydrogen to make water, which is H2O. Nitrogen bonds with hydrogen to make ammonia, which is NH3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a nonmetal and a metalloid?
Nonmetals completely lack any metallic properties. Metalloids sit in between the two categories and behave like semiconductors with mixed traits.
Are all nonmetals invisible gases?
No. While many are gases like oxygen, others take different forms. Bromine is a liquid, and carbon is a solid at room temperature.
Why do nonmetals form negative ions instead of positive ones?
Nonmetals have a very strong pull on their electrons. It is much easier for them to gain extra electrons than to lose the ones they have.