Dividing line between metals and nonmetals

1 2  ...  12 13 14 15 16 17 18
  H
                 He
  
Li
 Be
 B
 C
 N
 O
 F
 Ne
Na
 Mg
 Al
 Si
 P
 S
 Cl
 Ar
K
 Ca
 ... Zn
 Ga
 Ge
 As
 Se
 Br
 Kr
Rb
 Sr
 ... Cd
 In
 Sn
 Sb
 Te
 I
 Xe
Cs
 Ba
 ... Hg
 Tl
 Pb
 Bi
 Po
 At
 Rn
Fr
 Ra
 ... Cn
 Nh
 Fl
 Mc
 Lv
 Ts
 Og
An example of a periodic table metal–nonmetal dividing line, shown in the s- and p-blocks.

The dividing line between metals and nonmetals is a stair-shaped line on the periodic table which separates chemical elements into metals and nonmetals.

There is no formal definition of "metal" in chemistry. This line is a convention, and not a firm scientific rule. Most of the elements close to the line are called metalloids, because they have some things in common with metals and other things with nonmetals.

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