Science glossary film: Nonmetals

The nonmetal elements are found to the right of the periodic table. Their atoms typically have four or more electrons in their outer shells, and so have distinctly different physical and chemical properties from metals. Nonmetals are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity. Sulfur, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen are all typical nonmetals.

Their atoms typically have four or more electrons in their outer shells, and so have distinctly different physical and chemical properties from metals. Nonmetals are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity. Sulfur, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen are all typical nonmetals.