Reactive nonmetals7 elements · the upper right of the table
The reactive nonmetals include hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and selenium. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity, have low melting and boiling points, and tend to gain or share electrons when they react. Despite being few in number, these elements make up almost all of the mass of living things.
# Properties of reactive nonmetals
- Poor conductors of heat and electricity
- Brittle when solid; several are gases
- Gain or share electrons to form covalent bonds and negative ions
- Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen are the main elements of life
# List of reactive nonmetals
| # | Symbol | Element | Atomic mass | Electron configuration | State at 25 °C | Melting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H | Hydrogen | 1.008 | 1s¹ | gas | 14.01 K |
| 6 | C | Carbon | 12.011 | [He] 2s² 2p² | solid | 3800 K |
| 7 | N | Nitrogen | 14.007 | [He] 2s² 2p³ | gas | 63.15 K |
| 8 | O | Oxygen | 15.999 | [He] 2s² 2p⁴ | gas | 54.36 K |
| 15 | P | Phosphorus | 30.974 | [Ne] 3s² 3p³ | solid | 317.3 K |
| 16 | S | Sulfur | 32.06 | [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴ | solid | 388.36 K |
| 34 | Se | Selenium | 78.971 | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁴ | solid | 493.65 K |
# Reactive nonmetals FAQ
Which elements are reactive nonmetals?
There are 7 reactive nonmetals in this table: Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Selenium.
Where are the reactive nonmetals on the periodic table?
The reactive nonmetals are found in the upper right of the table, above the metalloid staircase (with hydrogen at the top left).
What are the properties of reactive nonmetals?
Poor conductors of heat and electricity; Brittle when solid; several are gases; Gain or share electrons to form covalent bonds and negative ions; Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen are the main elements of life.