Epämetallisiin

Epämetallisiin, often translated as nonmetals, are a group of chemical elements that do not exhibit the properties of metals. They are typically found on the right side of the periodic table, with the exception of hydrogen. Nonmetals are characterized by their poor electrical and thermal conductivity, their tendency to gain electrons when forming chemical bonds, and their often brittle nature in solid form. They exist in various states at room temperature, including gases (like oxygen and nitrogen), a liquid (bromine), and solids (like carbon and sulfur).

Unlike metals, which are generally lustrous, malleable, and ductile, nonmetals are often dull, brittle, and lack metallic luster. Their electronegativity is generally higher than that of metals, meaning they have a stronger attraction for electrons. This property makes them readily form negative ions (anions) in ionic compounds. In covalent bonding, nonmetals tend to share electrons with other nonmetals, forming molecules.

The group of nonmetals includes elements such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, and the halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine), as well as the noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). These elements play crucial roles in chemistry and biology, forming the backbone of organic molecules and essential components of the atmosphere and living organisms.