Final answer:
Nonmetals are elements that are poor conductors of heat and electric current, and tend to be brittle in the solid state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of element that is generally a poor conductor of heat and electric current and tends to be brittle in the solid state is a nonmetal. Nonmetals are located on the right side of the periodic table and have properties opposite to metals. They do not conduct heat or electricity well and are often brittle.
Learn more about Properties of nonmetals