Here's why:
* Staircase: The "staircase" is a diagonal line that separates the metals from the nonmetals.
* Metals: Elements to the left of the staircase are generally considered metals. They tend to be shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.
* Nonmetals: Elements to the right of the staircase are generally considered nonmetals. They lack the characteristic metallic properties and often have properties like being brittle, poor conductors, and existing as gases or dull solids at room temperature.
Important Note: There are some exceptions to this rule, like metalloids. Metalloids are elements found near the staircase and possess properties of both metals and nonmetals.
