Nonmetals:
The nonmetals occupy a part of the periodic table to the right of the heavy, step-like line. (Refer to figures)
In common, the physical properties of the nonmetals are the opposite of these attributed to metals. Nonmetals are frequently gases at room temperature. The nonmetals which are solids are not lustrous, are not ductile or malleable, and are poor conductors of electricity and heat. A few nonmetals are extremely reactive, but the nature of the reactions is variant from that of metals. The Nonmetals tend to gain electrons to form negative ions rather than to lose electrons to form positive ions.
The six elements within Group 0 represent a special subclass of nonmetals. That is all extremely unreactive gases, so they are known as the inert gases. For several years it was believed in which the inert gases would not and could not participate in chemical reactions. In the year of 1962, the first true compounds of an inert gas, XeF4 and XePtF6, were positively identified.
Since that time, various other compounds have been prepared. A preparation of these compounds needs special conditions; under ordinary conditions, the inert gases might be considered nonreactive.