Metals and non-metals in the periodic table
In the periodic table:
- metal elements are on the left of a stepped line starting at B-Al-Si
- non-metal elements are on the right of the stepped line
Metals are on the left of the periodic table, and non-metals are on the right.
Atomic structure and the periodic table
Elements in group 1 and group 2 are metals. Atoms of group 1 elements have one electron in their outer shell, and atoms of group 2 elements have two electrons in their outer shell.
Elements in groups 6, 7 and 0 are non-metals. Atoms of group 7 elements have seven electrons in their outer shell, and atoms of group 0 elements, except helium, have eight electrons in their outer shell.
The reactions of elements are related to the number of electrons in their outer shells:
- Atoms of metal elements give away electrons in their reactions to form positive ions. The ions formed have a full outer electron shell, so are very stable.
- Atoms of non-metal elements gain electrons in some of their reactions to form negative ions. The ions formed have a full outer electron shell, so are very stable.
See the study guide on groups in the periodic table for more information.
