Final answer:
Metals are on the left side of the periodic table, demonstrating properties like luster and electrical conductivity. Nonmetals are located on the upper right side, generally being brittle and poor conductors. They are separated by a diagonal band of semimetals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximate Positions of Metals and Nonmetals on the Periodic Table
In the periodic table, metals and nonmetals are categorized based on characteristics such as luster, electrical conductivity, and malleability. Metals are located primarily on the left side of the periodic table and exhibit qualities such as luster, being good conductors of electricity, and the ability to be shaped (they are ductile and malleable). On the other hand, nonmetals are situated on the upper right side of the table, characterized by being generally brittle when solid and poor electrical conductors.
The periodic table is also divided into blocks, known as the s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block, depending on which subshell is being filled by the electrons of the elements in that section. Representative metals are found in the s-block and the left side of the p-block, while nonmetals are found in the upper right side of the p-block. A diagonal band of semimetals, also known as metalloids, separates the metals from the nonmetals. Transition metals and inner transition metals —which are also considered metals— are found in the d-block and f-block, respectively.