Nonmetallic is an adjective that refers to elements or substances that do not possess the characteristics of a metal. It describes materials that lack the characteristic attributes of metals, such as metallic luster, high electrical conductivity, and malleability.
In chemistry, nonmetallic elements are typically found on the right side of the periodic table, including elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, and the noble gases. These elements usually exist in the form of molecules or compounds and demonstrate diverse properties. They often exhibit low melting and boiling points, and are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity. Nonmetals commonly form covalent bonds, sharing electrons with other nonmetallic elements or a metalloid, rather than losing or gaining electrons, as metals do.
Nonmetallic substances can be inorganic or organic. Inorganic nonmetals are often used as important components of minerals, ceramics, and glasses. Organic nonmetals, also known as organic compounds, consist of carbon backbones and are vital constituents of living organisms, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Various nonmetallic materials have extensive applications in different fields. For instance, nonmetallic materials like rubber are employed in manufacturing tires and sealing products due to their excellent flexibility and resistance to heat and chemicals. Moreover, nonmetallic minerals such as gypsum and talc find uses in construction and the production of ceramics, while nonmetallic elements like oxygen and nitrogen are crucial for sustaining life on Earth.
