Question

Name some property which is characteristic of nonmetals.

Answer 1

As far as elements are concerned, a nonmetal is simply an element that does not display the properties of a metal. It is not defined by what it is, but by what it is not. It doesn't look metallic, can't be drawn into a wire or pounded into shape or bent, doesn't conduct heat or electricity well, and doesn't have a high melting or boiling point.

The nonmetals are in the minority on the periodic table, mostly pushed to the right hand side of the periodic table.