- They occur as solids, liquids and gases at room temperature
- Brittle
- Non-malleable
- Non-ductile
- Non-sonorous
- Bad conductors of heat and electricity
- Most non-metals produce acidic oxides when dissolved in water. On the other hand, most metals give rise to basic oxides.
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- Alkali metals (Na, K, Li) can be cut using a knife.
- Mercury is a liquid metal.
- Lead and mercury are poor conductors of heat.
- Mercury expands significantly for the slightest change in temperature.
- Gallium and caesium have very low melting points.
- Iodine is non-metal, but it has lustre.
- Graphite conducts electricity.
- Diamond conducts heat and has a very high melting point.
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