Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
6.6A
Key Concepts
· Elements on the periodic table are arranged by common properties.
· Elements can be classified as metals, nonmetals or metalloids based on their physical properties.
· Metals are located on the left side of the periodic table.
· About 2/3 of the elements are metals.
· Metals are malleable, ductile, good conductors of heat and electricity, have a shiny luster, and are usually solids at room temperature.
· Nonmetals are found on the right side of the periodic table.
· Nonmetals are brittle, non-ductile, insulators (or poor conductors) and have a dull luster.
· Many nonmetals are gases at room temperature.
· Hydrogen is a nonmetal but is located on the opposite side of the periodic table.
· Metalloids have properties of both metals and nonmetals and are found on the periodic table along the stair-step line. (Exception – Aluminum is a metal.)
· Some metalloids are also known as semiconductors – meaning they can carry electrical current under certain conditions. This property makes them useful in calculators and computers.