What are Nonmetals?

Nonmetals are chemical elements that do not have the traditional characteristics of metals. Nonmetals have various properties that distinguish them from metals. They have generally poor conductivity of heat and electricity, and are brittle, meaning they are easily broken. Common nonmetal elements include oxygen, sulfur, and the noble gases. Nonmetals are important components of many materials, especially in the form of compounds.

Where are Nonmetals Located on the Periodic Table?

Nonmetals are generally located in the upper right portion of the periodic table. This includes elements in Groups 14 through 17. The exact location of a nonmetal on the periodic table is determined by its position in a particular group and its period. In general, the higher the group number, the more reactive the nonmetal is.

Group 14 Nonmetals

Group 14 nonmetals, or carbon group elements, are located in the fourth period of the periodic table. These elements include carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead. Carbon, the most abundant element in the group, is the least electronegative and, therefore, the least reactive. Silicon, germanium, and tin are semi-metals, meaning they have some metallic properties. Lead is a nonmetal and is the most electronegative and reactive of all the elements in the group.

Group 15 Nonmetals

Group 15 nonmetals, or nitrogen group elements, are located in periods 2 through 6 of the periodic table. These elements include nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. Nitrogen is a nonmetal that is the most abundant element in the atmosphere. Phosphorus is a nonmetal that is essential for life. Arsenic, antimony, and bismuth are toxic and are used only in trace amounts for certain applications.

Group 16 Nonmetals

Group 16 nonmetals, or oxygen group elements, are located in periods 2 through 6 of the periodic table. These elements include oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium. Oxygen is a nonmetal that is essential for life. Sulfur is a nonmetal that is found in many compounds such as sulfuric acid. Selenium, tellurium, and polonium are toxic and have few uses.

Group 17 Nonmetals

Group 17 nonmetals, or halogen group elements, are located in periods 2 through 7 of the periodic table. These elements include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Fluorine is a nonmetal that is the most reactive of all elements. Chlorine is a nonmetal that is used in bleaching and disinfection. Bromine, iodine, and astatine are toxic and have few uses.

Conclusion

Nonmetals are chemical elements that do not have the traditional characteristics of metals. Nonmetals are generally located in the upper right portion of the periodic table, and are found in Groups 14 through 17. Group 14 nonmetals include carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead. Group 15 nonmetals include nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. Group 16 nonmetals include oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and polonium. Group 17 nonmetals include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Nonmetals are important components of many materials and are found in various forms.