Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Non-metals are the species which in order to complete their octet readily gain an electron.
For example, fluorine is a non-metal with atomic number 9 and its electronic distribution is 2, 7.
Hence, to attain stability it readily accepts an electron from a donor atom.
Some characteristics of non-metals are as follows.
Non-metals do not conduct electricity.
Non-metals are brittle in nature and they have a rough surface.
Non-metals are not malleable or ductile.
Thus, we can conclude that non-metals do not conduct electricity is a characteristic of non-metals.
