Which properties are characteristics of nonmetals? Check all that apply.

Question

malleable
brittle
solid at room temperature
low density
electrical insulator
thermal conductor

Answer 1

Nonmetals exhibit the following characteristics:

1. Brittle - Nonmetals are generally brittle in their solid form.
2. Low density - Many nonmetals have lower densities compared to metals.
3. Electrical insulator - Nonmetals typically do not conduct electricity and are considered insulators.
4. Thermal conductor - Nonmetals are generally poor thermal conductors, though there are some exceptions (e.g., graphite).

Therefore, the applicable properties of nonmetals from your list are:

• Brittle
• Low density
• Electrical insulator

Nonmetals can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous states at room temperature (e.g., oxygen is a gas, bromine is a liquid, sulfur is a solid), so "solid at room temperature" is not universally applicable to nonmetals. Additionally, nonmetals are not malleable and do not exhibit that property.