Question

What are the properties of a non-metal?
A. Form anions
B. Have tensile strength
C. High density
D. Forms acidic oxides

Answer 1

Non-metals are generally those elements which form negative ions by accepting or gaining electrons. Non-metals usually have 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell. It has high ionization energy and high electronegativity.

Complete answer:
Generally non-metals are those substances which do not follow the properties of metals like ductility, malleability, lustrous, sonorous, good conductor of heat and electricity.
Non-metals are mainly from groups 15 to 17. They have high electronegativity values. Electronegativity term refers to the tendency of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons. Higher the electronegativity more an atom or substituent group attracts electrons so we can say that nonmetals can easily accept electrons and form anions due to its high electronegativity value.
The bonding between the non-metal ions are covalent in nature so we can say that the lattice is not densely packed unlike in metals. Therefore they have a low tensile strength and also low density.
Non-metal form oxides on reaction with water and yields an acidic solution. Which is shown as follows:
${{H}_{2}}O+S{{O}_{2}}\to {{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}$
Hence it forms acidic oxides.

Thus we can say that option A and D are correct.

Note:
Non-metals are generally used for the preparation of ammonia, nitric acid and fertilizers in which non-metal nitrogen is used, in case of purification of water chlorine is used and carbon in the form of graphite is used in pencils and there are many other uses too.