Nonmetal: meaning, definitions and examples
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nonmetal
[nษnหmษtษl ]
Definition
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.
Synonyms
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin meaning 'not', combined with 'metal', which reflects the essential properties of these elements.
- The term has been in use since the 19th century as scientists began classifying elements more systematically.
Science
- Nonmetals can exist in a variety of states; they can be gases, liquids, or solids at room temperature.
- Common examples include oxygen, carbon, and sulfur, all essential for life in different ways.
- Unlike metals, nonmetals usually gain electrons in chemical reactions, forming anions.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, symbols of nonmetals like carbon are celebrated in art, such as the transformation of coal to diamonds.
- Nonmetals play a crucial role in environmental discussions, especially carbon in combating climate change.
Technology
- Nonmetals are critical in the manufacturing of semiconductors, vital for modern electronics.
- Many nonmetals, such as silicon, are used to make materials like glass and ceramics.
Literature
- In literature, nonmetals often symbolize fragility and change, as seen in poetry that contrasts the permanence of metals with the transient nature of gases.
- Works of science fiction frequently explore the properties of nonmetals in futuristic materials and technologies.
Translations
Translations of the word "nonmetal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น nรฃo metal
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฐ เคงเคพเคคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Nichtmetall
๐ฎ๐ฉ nonlogam
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตะผะตัะฐะป
๐ต๐ฑ niemetal
๐ฏ๐ต ้้ๅฑ
๐ซ๐ท non-mรฉtal
๐ช๐ธ no metal
๐น๐ท metalik olmayan
๐ฐ๐ท ๋น๊ธ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบูุฑ ู ุนุฏูู
๐จ๐ฟ nemetal
๐ธ๐ฐ nemetal
๐จ๐ณ ้้ๅฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ nemetal
๐ฎ๐ธ ekki mรกlmur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตัะฐะปะป ะตะผะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแแขแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ metal olmayan
๐ฒ๐ฝ no metal