| Study
of some important Nonmetals |
| Hydrogen |
| Hydrogen (H) is
the first of the nonmetals. It is peculiarly
placed in the periodic table, in group IA, along
with alkali metals. Hydrogen's electronic configuration
is similar to alkali metals – 1s1.
But it behaves as nonmetal at ordinary temperatures.
Interestingly hydrogen displays metallic properties
at very low temperatures. Hydrogen exists as
a diatomic gaseous molecule. It reacts with
metals and forms metal hydrides such as LiH
It also forms a large number of covalent compounds
with oxygen. Its most common compound is water
(H2O). |
| It also exists
in two isotopic forms known as deuterium (D
or 2H) with atomic mass of 2 and
Tritium (T or 3H) with atomic mass
of 3. Both the isotopes are unstable and they
need to be handled carefully. Seawater has traces
of D and T. |
| Boron |
| Boron (B) is the
first member of the Group IIIA of the periodic
table. We know this nonmetal commonly in the
form of boric acid traditionally used to cover
superficial wounds and for preserving food grains.
Boron nitride, is a compound that is very hard.
|
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