Physical Properties of Non-Metals - Teachoo.png

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

 

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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo