Nonmetal: meaning, definitions and examples

chemical classification

Nonmetals are elements that are typically dull in appearance, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and have a variety of physical states, including gas, liquid, and solid at room temperature. Unlike metals, they tend to gain electrons during chemical reactions, forming anions. Nonmetals comprise a diverse set of elements, including hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, bromine, and iodine. This group plays a crucial role in life processes, as many organic and biological compounds contain nonmetals. The properties of nonmetals vary widely, leading to their use in a multitude of applications ranging from medicine to technology.

element, nonmetal substance, nonmetallic element

Examples of usage

• Oxygen is a vital nonmetal for respiration.

• The nonmetal sulfur is commonly used in fertilizers.

• Carbon, a nonmetal, is essential for organic life.

• Inorganic nonmetals like phosphorus are used in detergents.