The elements in the periodic table can be categorized as metals, non-metals and metalloids. The electropositive elements are generally considered as metals. They are malleable (can be beaten into thin sheets), ductile (can be drawn into wires), lustrous (shiny) and have a high tensile strength. They are generally found in the extreme left in the periodic table. For example: The alkali metals (Group 1) and alkaline earth metals (Group 2). Most of the elements found in the d-block are also metals. The elements which are electronegative and brittle are considered as non-metals. The majority of the non-metals are found in the p-block of the periodic table. The non-metals can exist in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. For example: Halogens (Group 17). The elements which have properties intermediate between the properties of the metals and non-metals are considered as metalloids. For example: Silicon and Germanium are non-metals found in group 14 of the periodic table.
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