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Dullness
Non-Metals are dull, that is, they do not shine .
- Example : Carbon, Chlorine
- Exceptions : Iodine
Softness
Non- metals are generally soft.
- Example : Sulphur, Phosphorous
- Exceptions : Diamond (Carbon)
Brittleness
Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile . They break when stretched or beaten. They have low strength .
- Example : Sulphur, Phosphorous
- Exceptions : No exceptions. Brittleness is a characteristic property of non-metals.
Electrical Conductivity
Non-metals do not conduct electricity. They have no free electrons .
- Example : Sulphur, Phosphorous
- Exceptions : Graphite (Carbon)
Heat Conductivity
Non-metals do not conduct electricity.
- Example : Sulphur, Bromine, Chlorine
- Exceptions : none
Melting and Boiling points
Non-metals have comparatively low melting and boiling points.
- Example : Bromine, Carbon
- Exceptions : Diamond (Carbon)
State
Non-metals exist in all three states at room temperature.
Example : Carbon (solid), Bromine (liquid), Oxygen (gas)
|
Property |
Definition |
Examples of Non-metals |
Exceptions |
|
Dull |
These are non shiny elements, and do not possess lustre. |
Most non metals |
Iodine, Diamond |
|
Softness |
These elements are not hard to touch. |
Oxygen, Sulphur, Graphite |
Diamond |
|
Brittleness (only for solids) |
Ability to break easily when hit upon |
Phosphorus, Sulphur, Selenium |
None |
|
Malleable |
Being beaten into thin sheets without breaking is called malleability. |
Most non metals |
None |
|
Ductile |
Property of being stretched into long wires without breaking. |
Most non metals |
None |
|
Bad conductor of heat |
Does not show Property to withstand high temperatures without melting |
Most non metals |
Graphite |
|
Bad conductor of electricity |
Property of letting electric current pass through it |
Most Non metals |
Graphite |
|
Low Melting point |
The temperature at which it transforms from a solid to liquid state |
Most non metals |
Diamond |
|
Low Boiling point |
The temperature at which vapour state is reached |
Most non metals |
Diamond |
|
State |
State in which it is found in nature |
All non metals are solid or liquid or gaseous |
none |
