Question

Define nonmetals. Give name and symbol of

1. a nonmetal which is solid.
2. a nonmetal which is liquid.
3. a metal which is liquid.
4. a nonmetal which is a good conductor of electricity.

Answer 1

Nonmetals

• Nonmetals are the elements that have the ability to form anion by the gain of electrons.
• Most of the nonmetals are found in a gaseous state and some of the elements are in solid and liquid states.

(i) a nonmetal which is solid.

1. Nonmetals are found in all three states but most of them are found in the gaseous state.
2. There are many nonmetals that are found in solid-state as Carbon$\left(C\right)$, Sulphur$\left(S\right)$, Phosphorous$\left(P\right)$, and Iodine$\left(I\right)$.

(ii) a nonmetal which is liquid.

1. Mostly nonmetals are found in the gaseous state and nonmetals are formed by the gain in electrons.
2. Bromine$\left(\mathrm{Br}\right)$ is a nonmetal and is the only nonmetal that is found in the liquid state.

(iii) a metal which is liquid.

1. Metals are formed by the loss of electrons to form cations.
2. All the metals are found in solid-state except Mercury.
3. Mercury$\left(\mathrm{Hg}\right)$ is the only metal that is found in the liquid state.

(iv) a nonmetal which is a good conductor of electricity.

1. Nonmetals do not conduct electricity they work as an insulator.
2. The only nonmetal which is a good conductor of electricity is Graphite.