Non-metals
What Non-metals means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Non-metals
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Non-metals in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Elements found towards the upper right of the periodic table that gain or share electrons and typically form negative ions.
These are found towards the right and top of the periodic table, forming a minority of the elements.
Elements that do not form positive ions, mostly found on the right and top of the periodic table.
Topics that use Non-metals
- Metals and non-metals (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Atomic number
- Chemical reactivity and ion formation
- Covalent bonds
- Metals
- Periodic table trends
- Positive ion
- Stepped line
- Electron loss
Using Non-metals in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge