Metals Non-Metals and Metalloids
Non-Metals
Non-Metals
Non-metals occupy the upper right side of the periodic table and display
properties that are largely opposite to those of metals. They are crucial in many
biological and chemical processes. Non-metals are less numerous than metals
but are equally important, particularly for life on Earth.
Properties of Non-Metals
● Brittleness: Unlike metals, non-metals are brittle and cannot be easily
shaped. They will break or shatter under stress rather than deform. This is
true for solid non-metals like sulfur and phosphorus.
● Dull Appearance: Non-metals lack the shiny luster of metals and typically
have a dull appearance.
● Poor Conductors: Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and
electricity, making them useful as insulators. For example, rubber, a
non-metal, is used to coat electrical wires to prevent accidental shocks.
● Lower Density: Non-metals generally have lower densities compared to
metals. For instance, gases like nitrogen and oxygen, which are
non-metals, are much less dense than solid metals.
● Low Melting and Boiling Points: Non-metals generally have lower
melting and boiling points than metals. However, there are exceptions like
diamond (a form of carbon) and boron, which have high melting points.
● Forming Anions: Non-metals gain electrons during chemical reactions,
forming negative ions or anions. For example, chlorine (Cl) gains one
electron to form Cl−.
Chemical Reactivity of Non-Metals
Non-metals tend to form acidic oxides when they react with oxygen. For
instance, sulfur reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which can
dissolve in water to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). Non-metals also tend to form
covalent bonds when they react with other non-metals, sharing electrons rather
than transferring them as metals do.
Examples of Non-Metals
● Hydrogen (H): The most abundant element in the universe, essential for
life and used in various industrial applications.
● Carbon (C): Known for its ability to form a vast array of compounds,
carbon is essential for organic life and is used in fuels, plastics, and more.
● Nitrogen (N): A major component of the Earth's atmosphere, nitrogen is
crucial for biological processes and industrial fertilizers.
● Oxygen (O): Essential for respiration in most living organisms and widely
used in medical and industrial settings.
● Phosphorus (P): Important for biological molecules such as DNA and ATP,
and used in fertilizers.
● Sulfur (S): Used in the production of sulfuric acid, one of the most
important industrial chemicals.
Table of Non-Metals, Their Ores, and Uses
Non-Metal Source/Ore Uses
Carbon (C) Coal, Graphite, Fuel (coal), steel manufacturing,
Diamond lubricants, pencils (graphite), jewelry
(diamond)
Oxygen (O) Air (Fractional Respiration, water formation,
distillation) combustion processes, medical uses
(oxygen tanks)
Nitrogen (N) Air (Fractional Fertilizers (ammonia production), food
distillation) preservation, cryogenics
Sulfur (S) Native sulfur, Pyrite Sulfuric acid production, fertilizers,
(FeS₂) vulcanization of rubber, gunpowder
Phosphorus Phosphate rock Fertilizers, detergents, matches, steel
(P) (Ca₃(PO₄)₂) production
Fluorine (F) Fluorite (CaF₂) Toothpaste, water fluoridation, Teflon
production
Chlorine (Cl) Salt (NaCl) Water purification, disinfectants
(bleach), PVC production
Bromine (Br) Brines Flame retardants, water treatment,
photography chemicals
Iodine (I) Seaweed, Caliche Disinfectants, iodine supplements,
(NaIO₃) pharmaceuticals
Helium (He) Natural gas Balloons, cooling in superconductors,
cryogenics
Neon (Ne) Air (Fractional Neon signs, high-voltage indicators,
distillation) cryogenics
Hydrogen Water (electrolysis), Fuel cells, ammonia production,
(H) Natural gas reforming hydrogenation processes
