Question

Which of the following is a non-metal?

• A. Sodium
• B. Iron
• C. Carbon
• D. Copper

Hint:

Non-metals are typically brittle, not shiny, and have low conductivity compared to metals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Define metals and non-metals
- Metals: Shiny, good conductors, malleable (e.g., sodium, iron).
- Non-metals: Dull, poor conductors, brittle (e.g., carbon in forms like graphite or diamond).

Step 2: Analyze each option
- Sodium (Na): Group 1, shiny, conductive. Metal.
- Iron (Fe): Transition metal, strong, conductive. Metal.
- Carbon (C): Group 14, exists as graphite (dull, conducts slightly) or diamond (insulator). Non-metal.
- Copper (Cu): Transition metal, shiny, excellent conductor. Metal.

Step 3: Conclusion
Carbon is the only non-metal, matching option (3).