Question

Is Sulphur metal or non-metal? What group does it belong to?

Answer 1

Hint: Very few metals are non-metals. They can be identified on the right side of the periodic table. Elements that come under non-metals are carbon, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, all halogens, selenium, and many more.

Complete answer:
To understand this question, we will first learn about the periodic table arrangements. Majority elements in the periodic table are metals. It comprises alkali metals, transition metals that are d block elements, lanthanides, actinides and alkaline earth metals. A zigzag line starting from carbon, till radon separates the metals and non-metals. The elements which are right to the zigzag line in the periodic table are non-metals. Elements present just to the left of the zigzag line are termed as metalloids.
Further, these non-metals occupy the upper right hand portion of the periodic table. If we talk about the properties of non-metals they are not shiny, malleable or ductile and nor are they good conductors of electricity. These properties of non-metals can be separated from non-metals by means.
Considering the above knowledge, Properties of non-metals are less in common with respect to each other than metals. Their physical and chemical properties vary widely. Non-metals exist in two forms, some are solids and some are gases at room temperature. Sulphur is a non-metallic chemical element belonging to the oxygen group (group 16). It is one of the most reactive elements.

Note:
It reacts with all metals except gold and platinum, forming sulphides, it also forms compounds with several non-metallic elements. Millions of tons of sulphur are produced every year, mostly for the manufacture of sulphuric acid, which is widely used in industry.