Short Answer:

Nonmetals are widely used in daily life because of their unique chemical and physical properties. For example, oxygen is essential for breathing, carbon is used in fuels and pencils, and chlorine is used for water purification.

Other nonmetals like sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus are used in fertilizers, matches, medicines, and household chemicals, making them vital for health, food production, and industry.

Detailed Explanation:

Importance of Nonmetals in Daily Life

Nonmetals are elements that are poor conductors of heat and electricity, brittle in solid state, and have low melting and boiling points. Despite their limited metallic properties, they have essential uses in everyday life due to their chemical reactivity and versatility.

Uses in Health and Breathing

1. Oxygen (O₂):
   • Essential for respiration in humans and animals.
   • Used in medical oxygen therapy and hospitals for patients with breathing problems.
2. Nitrogen (N₂):
   • Used to preserve blood, food, and biological samples due to its inert nature.

Uses in Food and Agriculture

1. Nitrogen Compounds:
   • Nonmetals like nitrogen and phosphorus are used in fertilizers (e.g., ammonium nitrate, phosphate compounds).
   • These fertilizers improve crop growth and yield, essential for agriculture.
2. Carbon:
   • Used in carbon dioxide for carbonated drinks.
   • Forms organic compounds important for food and nutrition.

Uses in Household and Cleaning Products

1. Chlorine (Cl₂):
   • Used in disinfectants and bleaching agents.
   • Purifies drinking water to make it safe for consumption.
2. Sulfur (S):
   • Used in matches, gunpowder, and insecticides.
   • Sulfur compounds also act as fungicides in agriculture.

Uses in Industry and Technology

1. Carbon:
   • Forms graphite for pencils and carbon black in inks and rubber.
   • Activated carbon is used for filtering air and water.
2. Phosphorus (P):
   • Used in matches, fertilizers, detergents, and fireworks.
3. Hydrogen (H₂):
   • Used in fuel production, hydrogenation of oils, and ammonia synthesis for fertilizers.

Uses in Energy and Fuel

1. Carbon:
   • Found in coal, charcoal, and petroleum, providing fuel for cooking, heating, and transportation.
2. Sulfur Compounds:
   • Used in sulfuric acid, which is essential in battery acid, fertilizers, and chemical industries.

Summary

Nonmetals are essential in health, agriculture, household products, industry, and energy production. Their unique reactivity, chemical versatility, and ability to form compounds make them indispensable in daily life.

Conclusion:

Nonmetals play a vital role in everyday life, from breathing and food production to cleaning, industry, and fuel. Elements like oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, and phosphorus contribute significantly to health, safety, convenience, and economic activities, highlighting their importance in modern living.