What are examples of common nonmetals?

Short Answer:

Common nonmetals are elements that are not metals and have properties like brittleness, low density, poor conductivity, and high electronegativity. Examples include gases, liquids, and soft solids found on the right-hand side of the periodic table.

For example, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, carbon, and chlorine are widely known nonmetals. These elements are essential in air, water, living organisms, industrial chemicals, and daily-use products. Nonmetals play vital roles in chemical reactions and biological processes.

Detailed Explanation:

Examples of Common Nonmetals

Nonmetals are elements that lack metallic properties such as luster, malleability, and conductivity. They are typically found on the right side of the periodic table, excluding hydrogen which is a nonmetal despite being placed at the top of Group 1. Nonmetals can exist as gases, liquids, or soft solids at room temperature, and they participate in chemical reactions primarily by gaining or sharing electrons to form compounds.

Common Nonmetals and Their Properties

  1. Hydrogen (H):
    • Gas at room temperature, very light.
    • Highly reactive, forms covalent compounds like water (H₂O) and ammonia (NH₃).
    • Essential for fuel, chemical synthesis, and biological processes.
  2. Oxygen (O):
    • Diatomic gas (O₂), colorless, odorless.
    • Highly reactive, supports combustion, and forms water and oxides.
    • Essential for respiration and industrial applications.
  3. Nitrogen (N):
    • Diatomic gas (N₂), colorless and inert under normal conditions.
    • Used in fertilizers (ammonia), chemicals, and as an inert gas in food packaging.
  4. Carbon (C):
    • Solid, exists in forms like graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon.
    • Graphite conducts electricity, diamond is extremely hard.
    • Basis for organic compounds and biological molecules.
  5. Sulfur (S):
    • Yellow solid, brittle, and non-conductive.
    • Used in fertilizers, sulfuric acid production, and matches.
    • Reacts with metals to form sulfides.
  6. Phosphorus (P):
    • Solid, soft, and reactive; occurs as white, red, or black phosphorus.
    • Used in fertilizers, matches, and pesticides.
  7. Chlorine (Cl):
    • Greenish-yellow gas, highly reactive.
    • Used in disinfectants, PVC production, and water treatment.
  8. Fluorine (F):
    • Pale yellow gas, highly reactive.
    • Used in toothpaste (fluoride), Teflon production, and chemical synthesis.
  9. Other Halogens:
    • Bromine (Br) is a liquid at room temperature, iodine (I) is a solid.
    • Both are reactive and used in disinfectants and medicines.

Uses of Common Nonmetals

  • Industrial Applications: Sulfur for acids, chlorine for bleaching and disinfectants, nitrogen in fertilizers.
  • Biological Importance: Oxygen for respiration, carbon for organic molecules, nitrogen in proteins and DNA.
  • Household Uses: Hydrogen in fuel, chlorine in water purification, sulfur in matches.

Summary

Common nonmetals include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine, and other halogens. They are generally brittle, low-density, and poor conductors. These elements are widely used in chemical industries, biological processes, and daily life due to their reactivity and chemical versatility.

Conclusion:

Nonmetals play an essential role in chemical, industrial, and biological applications. Their diverse forms—gases, liquids, and solids—combined with their ability to form covalent compounds make them vital in nature and human activities. Understanding common nonmetals helps in appreciating their importance in life, industry, and chemistry.