Answer:
The elements on the extreme left side of the periodic table are non-metals. Non-metals are a group of chemical elements that lack metallic properties such as luster, malleability, and electrical conductivity. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity and tend to have lower melting and boiling points compared to metals.
Non-metals are located in the p-block of the periodic table, specifically in groups 14, 15, and 16. These groups include elements such as hydrogen (H), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and selenium (Se). These elements exist in various forms, including gases, liquids, and solids.
Non-metals play crucial roles in various aspects of our daily lives. For example, oxygen is essential for respiration and combustion processes, while carbon is the basis for organic chemistry and forms the building blocks of life. Nitrogen is a vital component of proteins and nucleic acids, while sulfur is used in the production of fertilizers and various industrial processes.
Understanding the properties and behavior of non-metals is important in fields such as chemistry, materials science, environmental science, and biology. By studying their characteristics, scientists can develop new materials with specific properties or gain insights into chemical reactions and biological processes.
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