Metals and nonmetals are really different and fun to learn about! Let’s dive into their special traits.

Metals:

• Where to Find Them: On the left side and in the middle of the periodic table.
• Characteristics:
  • They are shiny.
  • They can carry heat and electricity very well.
  • They can be shaped easily (this is called being malleable).
  • They can be stretched into wires (this is called being ductile).

Nonmetals:

• Where to Find Them: On the right side of the periodic table.
• Characteristics:
  • They look dull.
  • They do not conduct heat or electricity well (we call them insulators).
  • They can't be shaped or stretched; they usually break easily.

When we look at specific groups, like alkali metals, they react strongly with water to create something called hydroxides. On the other hand, halogens (which are nonmetals) are famous for forming salts when they react with metals.

It's super cool to see how where these elements are located on the periodic table affects how they act!