nonmetal A substance – particularly, an element – showing none of the properties characteristic of metals. (See also metalloid.) The 17 or so nonmetallic elements fill the top right-hand corner of the periodic table. Their atoms are in general relatively small, with nearly-filled electron shells, and have high ionization potentials. They have high electronegativities, and tend to form covalent bonds with each other, and to form anions. Related category INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |