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Nonmetals are elements that are neither metals or Metalloids, They are characterized by an electron structure which binds all of an atom's elctrons so tightly that none of them can move from atom to atom, the way electrons can in metals and metalloids. This means they are generally poor conductors of either heat or electricity (except graphite). Common examples include Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon and Sulfur

Nonmetals do not form a specific group; they are found in Groups 14 through 18, although each group except 18 contains elements which are metals or metalloids. The metallic quality of elements in any group increases as period number increases. Nononmetals are only found in Periods 1 through 5. By period 6, even At shows metallic properites.

They generally form negative ions (except in combination with oxygen, where they form oxyions) and are acidic in aqueous solutions.

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