Nonmetal Element

Nonmetals are elements that generally lack metallic properties.  Unlike metals, nonmetals typically have low melting points and boiling points, are poor conductors of heat and electricity, and tend to have a more diverse range of physical states (solid, liquid, or gas) at room temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diatomic Nonmetal

A diatomic nonmetal element is a nonmetallic chemical element that exists naturally in the form of diatomic molecules, meaning its atoms bond together in pairs.  Diatomic molecules are molecules composed of two atoms of the same element. Many nonmetals form diatomic molecules under normal conditions.  These elements are often found in pairs because their atoms are more stable when they share electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell.  As a result, in their natural state, they exist as diatomic molecules.

Diatomic Nonmetal Element
Element Name	Element Symbol	Atomic Number	Periodic Group Number	Periodic Period Number
Bromine	Br	35	17	4
Chlorine	Cl	17	17	3
Fluorine	F	9	17	2
Hydrogen	H	1	1	1
Iodine	I	53	17	5
Nitrogen	N	7	15	2
Oxygen	O	8	16	2

 

Polyatomic Nonmetal

A polyatomic nonmetal element refers to a nonmetallic chemical element that typically exists in the form of polyatomic ions or molecules.  Polyatomic means that the element forms molecules or ions composed of more than two atoms.

Polyatomic Nonmetal Element
Element Name	Element Symbol	Atomic Number	Periodic Group Number	Periodic Period Number
Carbon	C	6	14	2
Phosphorus	P	15	15	3
Selenium	Se	34	16	4
Sulfur	S	16	16	3

 

Noble Gas

Noble gases (Inert Gas) until the 1960's were considered inert gases. There are seven noble gases all found in Group 18 (VIIIa) in the periodic table and are colourless, odourless, tasteless and nonflammable.  They are also known as inert gases because they were once believed to be chemically inert, meaning they do not easily react with other elements.  Noble gases have complete electron shells, which makes them stable and less likely to form chemical bonds with other elements.  This stability is a result of having a full complement of electrons in their outermost energy levels.

Noble Gas Element
Element Name	Element Symbol	Atomic Number	Periodic Group Number	Periodic Period Number
Argon	Ar	18	18	3
Helium	He	2	18	1
Krypton	Kr	36	18	4
Neon	Ne	10	18	2
Radon	Rn	86	18	6
Ununoctium	Uuo	118	18	7
Xenon	Xe	54	18	5