Which of the following is a typical property of nonmetals on the periodic table?

• A. They tend to lose electrons easily to form cations.
• B. They are malleable and ductile.
• C. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity.
• D. They have a shiny, metallic luster.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the general properties of nonmetals on the periodic table. Nonmetals are elements that typically have high electronegativity and ionization energies.
2. Recall that nonmetals tend to gain electrons during chemical reactions, forming anions rather than losing electrons to form cations, which is more characteristic of metals.
3. Recognize that nonmetals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity because they lack free-moving charged particles, unlike metals which are good conductors.
4. Note that nonmetals are generally brittle and not malleable or ductile, which contrasts with metals that are malleable and ductile.
5. Understand that nonmetals do not have a shiny, metallic luster; instead, they often appear dull or have varied appearances, unlike metals which are shiny.