Final answer:
Most elements are metals, found to the left of the zigzag line on the periodic table, which separates metals from nonmetals, with metalloids along the line. Metals are ductile, malleable, and conductive; nonmetals are not. The periodic table also organizes elements into specific groups with similar properties, like alkali metals and halogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most elements are metals, which can be found to the left of the zigzag line on the periodic table. The periodic table arranges elements in such a way that those with similar properties align in groups, with metals located on the left and nonmetals on the right. The diagonal band separating these two classes consists of metalloids. Metals are known to be lustrous, ductile, malleable, and good conductors of electricity, whereas nonmetals are typically brittle and poor conductors. Metalloids exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals.
Elements are further classified into groups and periods, with groups being the vertical columns numbered 1-18 and periods being the horizontal rows. Specific groups include the alkali metals (Group 1), alkaline earth metals (Group 2), pnictogens (Group 15), chalcogens (Group 16), halogens (Group 17), and the noble gases (Group 18).