Metals:
* Left side: Most of the elements on the left side of the periodic table are metals. This includes groups 1, 2, 3-12 (transition metals), and some elements in groups 13-16.
* Bottom two rows: The two rows at the bottom of the periodic table (Lanthanides and Actinides) contain only metals.
Nonmetals:
* Right side: Nonmetals are located on the right side of the periodic table, mainly in groups 14-18 (except for Aluminum and Polonium).
* Hydrogen: While it's located on the left side, hydrogen is considered a nonmetal.
Metalloids:
* Stair-step line: A zigzag line separates the metals and nonmetals. The elements that touch this line are called metalloids. They have properties of both metals and nonmetals.
Quick Reference:
* Metals: Left side and bottom two rows
* Nonmetals: Right side, excluding metalloids
* Metalloids: Touch the zigzag line
