Os non metais elementais soen ser sólidos brandos, líquidos ou gases, con baixo punto de fusión. En xeral, agás o grafito, non conducen a electricidade. Tenden a gañar electróns e dar lugar a anións. Soen formar compostos covalentes compartindo electróns.

Nonmetals 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.

Summary of common properties:

Poor thermal conductors

Poor electrical conductors

Brittle solids- not malleable or ductile

Little or no metallic luster

Gain electrons easily

Dull, non metallic-shiny. although they may be colorful.

Lower melting points and boiling point than the metals.