1 Answers
Physical Properties of Non-metals
Physical State - Most of the non-metals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases (oxygen) and solids (iodine, carbon, sulphur). These have no metallic lustre, (except iodine) and do not reflect light. (Except carbon in the form of diamond).
Nature - Non-metals are very brittle, and cannot be rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. Except- diamond is the hardest substance known.
Conduction - They are poor conductors of heat and electricity. (Except graphite conducts heat, both graphite & gas carbon conduct electricity.)
Electronegative Character - Non-metals have a tendency to gain or share electrons with other atoms. They are electronegative in character.
Reactivity - They generally form acidic or neutral oxides with oxygen.
Melting and Boiling Points – Non-metals have low melting and boiling points.