4.4.3 Properties of Non-metals

Last updated at April 25, 2026 by

What are Properties of Non-metals?

They are the characteristics that make non-metals different from metals in appearance and behavior .

Key Facts and Examples
  • Non-metals are dull and non-lustrous .
Example: Coal, sulphur, wood appear dull and non-shiny
  • Non-metals are brittle and break into pieces .
Example: Coal breaks when hammered, cannot be flattened
  • Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity .
Example: Wooden spoon stays cool, plastic does not conduct electricity
  • Non-metals are not sonorous and produce dull sounds .
Example: Wood, coal make dull sounds when dropped

Important Exceptions (Commonly Asked in Exams):

  • Graphite — a form of carbon — is a non-metal that conducts electricity . It is used as electrodes in electrolysis and in pencil leads (pencil "lead" is actually graphite).
  • Iodine is a non-metal that has a shiny (lustrous) appearance , but it does NOT conduct electricity. It is solid at room temperature and has a dark violet colour.
So not every shiny substance is a metal (iodine), and not every electrical conductor is a metal (graphite).
Metals vs Non-metals Properties Property Metals Non-metals Appearance Lustrous (shiny) Non-lustrous (dull) Malleability Can be beaten flat Break into pieces Ductility Can be drawn into wires Cannot form wires Sonority Ringing sound Dull sound Heat conduction Good conductors Poor conductors Electricity Good conductors Poor conductors
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