Question

Why are non-metals brittle?

Answer 1

Non-metals are not able to conduct electricity or heat very well. As opposed to metals, non-metallic elements are very brittle, and cannot be rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. The non-metals exist in two of the three states of matter at room temperature: gases (such as oxygen) and solids (such as carbon).

Answer 2

A nonmetal is an element that is generally a poor conductor of heat and electricity. In the solid state, nonmetals are brittle , meaning that they will shatter if struck with a hammer. The solids are not lustrous. Melting points are generally much lower than those of metals.