In terms of electrical conductivity, how do nonmetals generally perform?

Nonmetals are characterized by their electron configuration, which does not allow them to conduct electricity well. This is primarily due to their tendency to gain or share electrons rather than lose them, which is common in metals. In electrical conductivity, materials perform well if they have free-moving electrons that can carry charge; since nonmetals do not have this, they typically serve as poor conductors of electricity.

In comparison, metals, which have free electrons, are known for their excellent conductivity. Superconductivity, another term, refers to a phenomenon that occurs under specific conditions in certain materials, allowing them to conduct electricity with zero resistance, but this does not apply to nonmetals. Variable conductors would suggest that some nonmetals might conduct under certain conditions, which is not generally the case; their conductive properties do not vary widely as they are inherently poor conductors.