Family
Nonmetal
Reactive nonmetals (groups 14–16 plus hydrogen). Tend to gain or share electrons; form most of the molecules in living organisms.
Worth knowing
- Form bonds in molecules (CO₂, H₂O, NH₃) and compounds with metals.
- Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen account for ~96% of the human body by mass.
- Phosphorus and sulfur are essential for biology too — DNA backbones, amino acids.
Examples