Final answer:
Nonmetals are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. They can be gases, liquids, or solids, and are brittle when solid. Nonmetals also have lower melting points compared to metals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonmetals are elements that are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity. They are usually composed of individual atoms or small molecules. Nonmetals can exist in all three states of matter, with most of them being gases, such as nitrogen and oxygen. Some nonmetals are solids, like carbon and sulfur, and they are brittle, meaning they will shatter if struck with a hammer. Nonmetals also have lower melting points compared to metals.