Properties of non-metals

This lesson covers: 

  1. Location of non-metals on the periodic table
  2. Properties of non-metals

Non-metals in the periodic table

Periodic table highlighting the non-metals on the right side.

Only some of the elements found in the periodic table are non-metals.

Non-metals are found on the right side of the periodic table.

Properties of non-metals

Non-metals have distinct properties that distinguish them from metals.

Non-metals are electrical insulators

Diagram showing a non-metal electrical insulator surrounding a metal wire electrical conductor.
  • Non-metals have electrons that are fixed in place and cannot move freely.
  • This makes non-metals unable to conduct electricity.
  • This means non-metals are useful as insulators in electrical appliances.

Non-metals are thermal insulators

Illustration of a non-metal pot used as a thermal insulator.
  • Non-metals have weak intermolecular forces so cannot readily conduct heat energy.
  • This makes them useful as insulators for heat.
  • This means non-metals do not easily transfer heat from hot to cold areas.

Non-metals are brittle and weak

Broken ceramic plate pieces scattered on the floor illustrating the brittleness of non-metals.
  • Non-metals have weak intermolecular bonds so they fracture and shatter easily.
  • This makes them brittle materials that break under stress.

Non-metals are dull

Comparison between non-metal and metal properties showing non-metal pots and metal coins.
  • Non-metals have irregular, surfaces that do not reflect light well.
  • This results in non-metals having a dull, non-reflective appearance.

Non-metals have low melting and boiling points

Table showing boiling and melting points of non-metals. Oxygen: Boiling Point -183°C, Melting Point -218°C. Chlorine: Boiling Point -101°C, Melting Point -35°C.
  • Weak bonds between particles mean non-metals melt and boil at low temperatures.
  • Most are gases or solids at room temperature.

Non-metals have low density

Diagram comparing the structure of metals and non-metals, showing closely packed atoms in metals and loosely packed atoms in non-metals.

The atoms in non-metals are typically less tightly packed than those of metals. This means they are less dense, and usually weigh less than the same volume of metal.

  • Gaseous non-metals have very low densities and will float.
  • Even solid non-metals have lower densities than metals.

Non-metals are not magnetic

Diagram showing a magnet not attracting a non-metal and attracting a magnetic metal.
  • Non-metals are not magnetic, unlike some metals.
  • This distinguishes them from magnetic metals like iron.