The physical properties of nonmetals are as follows:
1. The majority of the nonmetals prevails in two of the three states of matter at room temperature, that is, solids and gases. Only bromine prevails as a liquid at room temperature.
2. The nonmetals are very brittle and are the poor conductors of heat and electricity.
3. The melting points of nonmetals are usually lesser in comparison to metals but are highly variable.
4. They exhibit no metallic luster and do not reflect light.
Some of the chemical properties of nonmetals are as follows:
1. Nonmetals possess a tendency to share or gain electrons with other atoms, that is, they are electronegative in nature.
2. The compounds comprising completely of nonmetals are covalent substances. They usually form neutral or acidic oxides with oxygen, which dissolve in water to produce acids.
3. The nonmetal oxides can combine with bases to produce salts.