Properties of non-metals

Question 1

Give the points for non-metals being poor conductors of electricity

Answer 1

• Most non-metals are insulators, meaning charges can’t flow through them
• If charges can’t move then no electric current flows. This is very useful because non-metals can be used to make things like plugs or electric cable covering

Question 2

Give the points for non-metals being poor conductors of energy by heating

Answer 2

• Non-metals are really good insulators because they don’t transfer energy from a hot place to a cooler one quickly , Hot particles don’t pass vibrations very well

Question 3

Give the points for non-metals not being strong and hard-wearing

Answer 3

• forces between most non-metals are weak - means they break easily
• It’s easy to scrub atoms or molecules - means they wear away easily

Question 4

Give the points for non-metals being dull

Answer 4

• They don’t reflect light very well and so they don’t have very smooth surfaces compared to metals
• It makes them look dull

Question 5

Give the points for non-metals being brittle

Answer 5

• Non-metals are held together by weak forces
• They can shatter easily

Question 6

Give the points for non-metals having low melting points and boiling points

Answer 6

• Forces that hold the particles together are very weak. This means they boil very easily
• At room temperature, most non-metals are gases or solids. Only one is liquid

Question 7

Give points for non-metals have low densities

Answer 7

• Some of these gases float in air
• Even liquid and solid non-metals have low densities

Question 8

Give the point for Non-metals being not magnetic

Answer 8

• Only a few metals iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic
• All non-metals are not magnetic