Uses of Metals and Nonmetals
Nonmetals can be defined as the elements that form negative ions by accepting electrons from other elements. They usually have 4,5,6 or 7 electrons in their valence shell. nonmetals lack metallic characteristics. These elements are located at the upper right corner of the modern periodic table. Examples of nonmetals are nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, sulphur, etc. At room temperature, most of the nonmetals are gases or solids. The only liquid non-metal at room temperature is Bromine. They are good insulators of heat and electricity with an exception of graphite and diamond. Graphite and diamond are excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
What are the Characteristics of Nonmetals?
Non-metallic characteristics are as follows:
Non-metallic atoms are much smaller in size as compared to metallic atoms.
They are non-lustrous and have a dull appearance. An exception to this characteristic is diamond and iodine which being nonmetals are lustrous.
nonmetals have low tensile strength. Graphite and diamond which are allotropes of carbon have very high tensile strength.
Nonmetals are soft but a diamond is the hardest known substance on earth.
Nonmetals are non-malleable and non-ductile.
They are brittle in nature.
What are the Uses of Nonmetals?
There are varied uses of nonmetals. These can be listed down as follows:
Nitrogen is used for making nitrogenous fertilizers which are essential for plant growth. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Nitrogen is also used in food packaging.
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Oxygen is the life-sustaining gas in the atmosphere. Oxygen is required for every organism for respiration. It is a supporter of combustion and is required for the combustion of fuels. Oxygen is used for the cutting and welding process. Oxyacetylene torches are used for this purpose.
Hydrogen is used for the manufacture of ammonia which is an important compound through Haber’s process. Hydrogen is used as a source of energy. It is used to convert heavy petroleum into a lighter one.
Phosphorus is also an essential nutrient for plant growth. It is also an important component of fertilizers for plant growth. Phosphorus is also used in manufacturing firecrackers.
Chlorine is a non-metal used in the purification of drinking water. It acts as a disinfectant. Chlorine is also used as a bleaching agent which is used to remove stains. It is also a component of insecticides. It is also used in the preparation of polymers.
Well, if your question is which non metal is used as fuel, the answer is carbon. Oxidation of carbon is the principle for working these fuels. Carbon-based fuels are of two types- biofuels and fossil fuels.
Bromine is used in the manufacturing of batteries, dyes, drugs and photography. Silver bromide is used for photography.
Iodine is used as an antiseptic in the form of tincture iodine. Iodised salt is taken in the diet to maintain the balance of thyroxine hormone in the human body.
Sulphur is used in the vulcanization of rubber. It is a component of black gunpowder. Sulphuric acid is used for the production of batteries. Insecticides and fungicides have sulphur as a component. Fireworks have sulphur in them. Certain medications also have sulphur in them especially medicines treating skin problems like scabies and dermatitis.
Interesting Facts on Nonmetals
nonmetals gain metallic properties when subjected to very high pressure.
Two nonmetals, hydrogens and helium constitute over 99% of the observable mass of the Universe.
Oxygen constitutes half of the earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere.
nonmetals are of vital importance to mankind. They are necessary for sustaining life on earth. There are varied uses of nonmetals in various fields. These nonmetals are also necessary for the biological system. Most of these nonmetals are present in the human body in certain percentages. These have certain important roles to play in human physiology. These are also required in plant physiology.
FAQs on Uses of Nonmetals
1. What are some common uses of nonmetals in our daily lives?
Nonmetals are vital for many daily activities and life processes. Some common uses include:
- Oxygen: Essential for respiration in all living organisms and supports combustion.
- Nitrogen: Used in the large-scale production of fertilisers to promote plant growth.
- Chlorine: A powerful disinfectant used for purifying drinking water.
- Iodine: Its solution (tincture of iodine) is used as an antiseptic on wounds.
- Sulphur and Phosphorus: Key components in the manufacturing of fireworks and crackers.
- Carbon: Exists in various forms, such as graphite in pencils and diamond in jewellery.
2. What are some examples of objects made from nonmetals?
Many everyday objects are made from nonmetals. For instance, the 'lead' in a pencil is actually graphite, an allotrope of carbon. Plastic objects like bottles, pipes, and containers are polymers, many of which require the nonmetal chlorine for their synthesis (e.g., PVC or Poly-vinyl chloride). Rubber tyres are hardened using sulphur in a process called vulcanisation.
3. Which nonmetal is essential for all living beings and why?
The nonmetal essential for all living beings is Oxygen. It is crucial because it is required for cellular respiration, the process by which living cells break down glucose to produce energy. Without a continuous supply of oxygen for breathing, most life forms on Earth could not survive.
4. Why are certain nonmetals preferred over metals for specific applications?
Nonmetals are preferred over metals in certain situations due to their unique properties. For example, most nonmetals are poor conductors of heat and electricity, making them excellent insulators. This is why plastic (a non-metallic material) is used for the handles of cooking utensils and to cover electrical wires. Metals, being good conductors, would be unsafe and impractical for these uses.
5. How is the nonmetal chlorine used for water purification?
The nonmetal chlorine is used for water purification because it acts as a powerful disinfectant. When added to water, it effectively kills harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that can cause diseases like cholera and typhoid. This process, known as chlorination, makes the water safe for human consumption.
6. Besides being a good conductor of electricity, what makes graphite (a nonmetal) unique and useful?
While its electrical conductivity is a rare trait for a nonmetal, graphite's uniqueness also comes from its physical structure. It is composed of layers that can easily slide over one another. This property makes graphite very soft and slippery, which is why it is used as a dry lubricant in machinery and as the primary writing material in pencil leads.
7. How do the uses of sulphur and phosphorus differ in industrial and commercial products?
While both are important nonmetals, their applications differ significantly. Sulphur is primarily used in the vulcanisation of rubber to make it hard and durable, and it is a key raw material for manufacturing sulphuric acid, a major industrial chemical. On the other hand, Phosphorus is essential in agriculture for making phosphate fertilisers and is also famously used on the heads of safety matches due to its low ignition temperature.
8. What role does the nonmetal nitrogen play in agriculture?
Nitrogen is a fundamental component of life, but plants cannot use the gaseous nitrogen from the atmosphere directly. Therefore, its primary role in agriculture is as a major component of fertilisers, such as urea and ammonia. These compounds provide nitrogen in a form that plants can absorb, which is crucial for their growth, especially for the development of leaves and stems, leading to higher crop yields.
