Metal and NonMetal definition and properties and The Complete List of Metal andNon-Metals
Elements may be classified as either metals or nonmetals based on their properties. Much of the time, you can tell an element is a metal simply by looking at its metallic luster, but this isn't the only distinction between these two general groups of elements. Here's a look at the differences between the metals and nonmetals. Ø Definition of Metal Most elements are metals. This includes the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides. On the periodic table , metals are separated from nonmetals by a zig-zag line stepping through carbon, phosphorus, selenium, iodine and radon. These elements and those to the right of them are nonmetals. Elements just to the left of the line may be termed metalloids or semimetals and have properties intermediate between those of the metals and nonmetals. The physical and chemical properties of the metals and nonmetals may be used to tell them apart. Meta...