Final answer:
Metals are shiny, malleable, ductile, and great conductors of heat and electricity, while nonmetals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Metalloids have intermediate properties, acting as semiconductors. The position of these elements on the periodic table reflects their properties, with metals on the left, nonmetals on the upper right, and metalloids between them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
In the world of elements, we notice distinct groups based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals shine bright with luster, are highly ductile and malleable, making them excellent conductors of heat and electricity. Some metals like gold and copper exhibit these characteristics prominently. However, not all metals are hard; for instance, sodium and potassium are relatively soft. On the other side, nonmetals prefer a life more subdued, with a dull appearance and brittle structure, often being poor conductors and insulators of heat and electricity. These attributes are seen in elements such as sulfur and iodine. Lastly, metalloids walk the line between, with a mix of metallic and nonmetallic traits. They can be semiconductors, and typically demonstrate a moderate level of electrical conductivity.
While we recognize the lustrous, silvery appearance of most metals, nonmetals like sulfur break the mold with their yellow hue. And when it comes to reactions, nonmetals can either accept electrons from metals to form ionic compounds or bond with each other for molecular ones. A common attribute among metals is their ability to conduct electricity, unlike ionic solids such as NaCl, which shatter under pressure and do not conduct electricity. This contrast continues with states of matter; nonmetals can be found as gases, liquids, or solids under normal conditions, while metals (except for mercury) remain solid.
Moving to the far side of the periodic table, nonmetals reside in the upper right-hand corner, opposite of where the majority of metallic elements are found. Smack in the middle are the metalloids, whose properties such as shiny luster, ductility, malleability, and conduction of heat and electricity fall between those of metals and nonmetals.