Nonmetals and Their Properties

Study Notes

Nonmetals

Nonmetals lack metallic properties; examples include oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Many nonmetals are gases at room temperature, and those that are solids typically have a dull surface and poor conductivity.

Essential Nonmetals

Six key nonmetals—oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—are fundamental components of proteins, fats, nucleic acids, and other large biological molecules.

Metals

Metals possess luster and are generally good conductors of electricity and heat.
They are ductile and malleable, with all except mercury being solid at room temperature.

Nonmetals in Groups 14-16

Group 14 contains carbon, essential in forming living compounds; it exists in different solid forms.
Group 15 includes nitrogen (gas) and phosphorus (solid), both of which form various compounds, often with oxygen.
Group 16 has three nonmetals: oxygen (essential for life), sulfur, and selenium, which exhibit typical nonmetal properties.

Group 17: The Halogens

Halogens are highly reactive elements in Group 17, known for forming salts with metals.
Examples include chlorine, which reacts with sodium to form table salt.
Halogens do not occur naturally as free elements; they require other elements for stability and decrease in reactivity down the group.

Group 18: The Noble Gases

Noble gases, including helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon, are generally non-reactive under normal conditions.
They were not recognized in early periodic tables because they don't form natural compounds and only react under special laboratory conditions.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has the smallest atomic mass.
Classified as a nonmetal, it behaves like an alkali metal in some reactions, especially in its liquid form where it can conduct electricity, although it usually acts as a nonmetal on Earth.

Metalloids

Metalloids bridge characteristics of metals and nonmetals, including elements like boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, polonium, and astatine.
Silicon, the most abundant metalloid, is prominent in sand and various electronic products.

Semiconductors

Metalloids can function as semiconductors, conducting electricity at high temperatures but insulators at lower temperatures.
This property is widely applied in electronic devices like computers and solar cells.

Applications of Metalloids

Pure silicon and germanium are crucial for semiconductor devices, while boron serves in water softeners and is used in fireworks for its bright green glow.
Silicon ranks among the most abundant elements on Earth, integral to many natural compounds.

Distinctions Among Elements

Metals, nonmetals, and metalloids exhibit unique properties; metals are strong and malleable, while nonmetals are brittle and poor conductors, demonstrating the diversity in element behavior.
Transition metals are known for their strength, malleability, and resistance to oxidation and corrosion.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of nonmetals, including their properties, examples, and essential roles in biological compounds. This quiz covers the characteristics of nonmetals, their classifications, and key nonmetals in various groups. Test your understanding of these vital elements!