wiki Word: Nonmetal

Definition: An element which does not exhibit metallic properties.

Nonmetal groups include hydrogen and groups 14-18. Nonmetals are poor conductors of heat and electricity and usually have lower densities than metals. They have significantly lower melting and boiling points than metals.Only eighteen elements in the periodic table are considered nonmetals, compared to over eighty metals, but nonmetals make up most of the crust, atmosphere, and oceans of the earth. Nonmetals are located on the top right corner of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The nonmetal elements are: Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon, Chlorine, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Arsenic, Selenium, and Tellurium.

<--Neon<--Helium

 <-- Carbon

SO WHAT??? SECTION:

We need to study nonmetals to understand the Periodic Table of the Elements (how it is organized, what groups and periods mean).  Knowing about nonmetals can help you identify elements in nature or in the classroom. Knowing about nonmetals can help you discover, create, or learn about important things that you may need to know.

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Information From:

"Nonmetal." Wikipedia. 28 Mar 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium#History>.

Helmenstine, Anne marie. "Nonmetals." About.com:Chemistry. 28 Mar 2008 <http://chemistry.about.com/od/elementgroups/a/nonmetals.htm>.