What are characteristics of non metals?

The most significant characteristic of Non-Metals is that they have tendency to gain electron(applicable on most of the non-metals in periodic table). The rest basic physical characteristics are of- Non ductile Non malleable etc. Thanks. read more

A nonmetal is simply an element that does not display the properties of a metal. It is not defined by what it is, but by what it is not. It doesn't look metallic, can't be made into a wire, pounded into shape or bent, doesn't conduct heat or electricity well, and doesn't have a high melting or boiling point. read more

1)non metals are non luster. exception:diamond. 2)non metals are brittle. exception: diamond. 3) non metals are bad conducter of heat and electricity. exception: graphite which is good conducter of electricity. 4)non metals do not show melleability. Melleaility is the ability of a solid to be formed into a thin sheet on beating. read more