Short Answer:

Nonmetals exhibit chemical properties that are very different from metals. They tend to gain or share electrons to form negative ions or covalent bonds and generally react with metals and other nonmetals to form compounds.

For example, oxygen reacts with metals like iron to form oxides, while with hydrogen it forms water. Nonmetals are also reactive with halogens, acids, and sometimes even other nonmetals, making them essential in chemical reactions, biological processes, and industrial applications.

Detailed Explanation:

Chemical Properties of Nonmetals

Nonmetals are elements that are highly reactive and chemically versatile, with properties opposite to metals. They are located on the right-hand side of the periodic table, excluding hydrogen, and include elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, and phosphorus. Nonmetals’ chemical behavior is largely determined by their electron configuration, typically having 4 to 8 valence electrons, which makes them likely to gain, share, or form bonds rather than lose electrons.

Key Chemical Properties

1. High Electronegativity:
   • Nonmetals have a strong tendency to attract electrons during chemical reactions.
   • This allows them to form negative ions (anions) with metals or covalent bonds with other nonmetals.
2. Tendency to Gain Electrons:
   • Nonmetals gain electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration.
   • Example: Chlorine reacts with sodium to form NaCl:
     2Na + Cl₂ → 2NaCl
3. Formation of Covalent Compounds:
   • Nonmetals often share electrons with other nonmetals to form covalent bonds.
   • Example: Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water (H₂O), a covalent compound.
4. Reactivity with Metals:
   • Nonmetals react with metals to form ionic compounds.
   • Example: Sulfur reacts with iron to form iron sulfide:
     Fe + S → FeS
5. Acidic Oxides Formation:
   • Nonmetals react with oxygen to form acidic oxides, which react with water to form acids.
   • Example: SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃ (sulfurous acid)
   • Example: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid)
6. Reactivity with Hydrogen:
   • Nonmetals form hydrides when combined with hydrogen.
   • Example: Chlorine + hydrogen → HCl (hydrogen chloride)
7. Reactivity with Other Nonmetals:
   • Nonmetals can form a variety of covalent compounds with each other.
   • Example: Nitrogen + hydrogen → NH₃ (ammonia)
8. Oxidizing Nature:
   • Many nonmetals, such as fluorine and oxygen, are strong oxidizing agents because they readily accept electrons.
   • Example: Fluorine oxidizes metals to form fluoride salts.
9. Low Reactivity for Some Nonmetals:
   • Some nonmetals, like noble gases, are chemically inert due to their complete valence shell.
   • Example: Helium, neon, and argon rarely form compounds.

Practical Applications

1. Industrial Use:
   • Nonmetals like chlorine and sulfur are used in chemical manufacturing, fertilizers, and explosives.
2. Biological Importance:
   • Oxygen is essential for respiration, nitrogen for amino acids, and phosphorus for DNA.
3. Environmental Applications:
   • Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers and refrigeration.
4. Everyday Applications:
   • Hydrogen in fuel cells, oxygen in medical therapy, and halogens in disinfectants.

Summary

Nonmetals are chemically reactive elements that tend to gain or share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations. They form ionic and covalent compounds, acidic oxides, hydrides, and often act as oxidizing agents. Their chemical behavior is opposite to metals, making them essential in chemical reactions, industry, and life processes.

Conclusion:

The chemical properties of nonmetals are characterized by electron gain, covalent bonding, reactivity with metals and nonmetals, and oxidizing ability. These properties make them indispensable in industrial, environmental, and biological applications, demonstrating the versatility and importance of nonmetals in chemistry and daily life.