What Are the Properties of Nonmetals?

A nitrogen tank controlled by a scientist.
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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated July 08, 2019

A nonmetal is simply an element that does not display the properties of a metal. It is not defined by what it is, but by what it is not. It doesn't look metallic, can't be made into a wire, pounded into shape or bent, doesn't conduct heat or electricity well, and doesn't have a high melting or boiling point.

The nonmetals are in a minority on the periodic table, mostly located on the right-hand side of the periodic table. The exception is hydrogen, which behaves as a nonmetal at room temperature and pressure and is found on the upper left corner of the periodic table. Under conditions of high pressure, hydrogen is predicted to behave as an alkali metal.

Nonmetals on the Periodic Table

The nonmetals are located on the upper right side of the periodic table. Nonmetals are separated from metals by a line that cuts diagonally through the region of the periodic table containing elements with partially filled p orbitals. The halogens and noble gases are nonmetals, but the nonmetal element group usually consists of the following elements:

  • hydrogen
  • carbon
  • nitrogen
  • oxygen
  • phosphorus
  • sulfur
  • selenium

The halogen elements are:

  • fluorine
  • chlorine
  • bromine
  • iodine
  • astatine
  • Possibly element 117 (tennessine), although most scientists think this element will behave as a metalloid.

The noble gas elements are:

  • helium
  • neon
  • argon
  • krypton
  • xenon
  • radon
  • element 118 (oganesson). This element is predicted to be a liquid but is still a nonmetal.

Properties of Nonmetals

Nonmetals have high ionization energies and electronegativities. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. Solid nonmetals are generally brittle, with little or no metallic luster. Most nonmetals have the ability to gain electrons easily. Nonmetals display a wide range of chemical properties and reactivities.

Summary of Common Properties

  • High ionization energies
  • High electronegativities
  • Poor thermal conductors
  • Poor electrical conductors
  • Brittle solids—not malleable or ductile
  • Little or no metallic luster
  • Gain electrons easily
  • Dull, not metallic-shiny, although they may be colorful
  • Lower melting points and boiling point than the metals

Comparing the Metals and Nonmetals

The chart below displays a comparison of the physical and chemical properties of the metals and nonmetals. These properties apply to the metals in general (alkali metals, alkaline earth, transition metals, basic metals, lanthanides, actinides) and nonmetals in general (nonmetals, halogens, noble gases).

Metals Nonmetals
chemical properties easily lose valence electrons easily share or gain valence electrons
1-3 electrons (usually) in the outer shell 4-8 electrons in the outer shell (7 for halogens and 8 for noble gases)
form basic oxides form acidic oxides
good reducing agents good oxidizing agents
have low electronegativity have higher electronegativity
physical properties solid at room temperature (except mercury) may be liquid, solid, or gas (noble gases are gases)
have metallic luster do not have metallic luster
good conductor of heat and electricity poor conductor of heat and electricity
typically malleable and ductile usually brittle
opaque in a thin sheet transparent in a thin sheet