Non-metals are found towards the right and top of the periodic table.

The idea

Non-metals occupy the upper right region of the periodic table. Group 0 noble gases such as helium, neon and argon sit on the far right, Group 7 halogens such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine sit just to their left, and Group 6 includes oxygen and sulfur. Elements towards the top right generally lack metallic properties: they are poor conductors of electricity, often brittle as solids, and tend to form negative ions or share electrons in covalent bonds. Hydrogen is a non-metal even though it appears at the top left, which is a useful exception to remember. Position therefore allows prediction: an element high and to the right is likely to be a non-metal with low conductivity and a tendency to gain or share electrons.

What earns the marks

• Locates non-metals towards the top right of the periodic table, including Groups 0, 7 and much of Group 6.
• Links non-metal position to properties such as poor electrical conductivity and brittleness.
• Recognises that non-metals typically form negative ions or share electrons in covalent bonds.
• Identifies hydrogen as a non-metal despite its top-left position.
• Uses position to predict whether an unfamiliar element is likely to be a non-metal.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Placing all non-metals strictly in Group 0 and ignoring Groups 6 and 7.

• Classifying hydrogen as a metal because of its position at the top left.

  Put it right: Hydrogen is a non-metal.

• Assuming every element on the right is a gas.

  Put it right: Bromine is a liquid and carbon and sulfur are solids.

Exam tips

• Remember the phrase 'top right for non-metals' and use it to justify classification answers.
• Quote a named non-metal from the correct region, such as chlorine in Group 7 or neon in Group 0.
• If an element is described as a poor conductor and brittle, link that description back to its top-right position.