Question

Where are the metallic elements found on the periodic table? Are there more metallic elements or nonmetallic elements?

Short answer

Metallic elements are found on the left and center of the periodic table, including Groups 1-12, transition metals, and inner transition metals (lanthanides and actinides). Nonmetallic elements are on the right side in Groups 13-18, and metalloids are located along a diagonal line between metals and nonmetals. With approximately 91 metallic elements, 19 nonmetallic elements, and 7 metalloid elements, there are more metallic elements on the periodic table than nonmetallic elements.

Step-by-step solution

Locate Metallic Elements on the Periodic Table

Metallic elements are located on the left and center of the periodic table. These include elements from Groups 1-12, as well as other elements that fall within the transition metals and inner transition metals (lanthanides and actinides). Some examples of metallic elements are sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and gold (Au).

Locate Nonmetallic Elements on the Periodic Table

Nonmetallic elements are located on the right side of the periodic table, primarily in Groups 13-18. Nonmetals include elements such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O).

Locate Metalloids on the Periodic Table

Metalloids are elements that have properties in between those of metals and nonmetals. They are found along a diagonal line between the metals and nonmetals, which includes elements like boron (B), silicon (Si), and germanium (Ge).

Comparing the Number of Metallic and Nonmetallic Elements

To determine whether there are more metallic or nonmetallic elements, we can approximate how many there are for each type. We can approximate that there are around 91 metallic elements, 19 nonmetallic elements, and 7 metalloid elements on the periodic table. With this approximation, we find that there are more metallic elements on the periodic table than nonmetallic elements.