Dividing line between metals and nonmetals

1212131415161718 H        He LiBeBCNOFNeNaMgAlSiPSClArKCa...ZnGaGeAsSeBrKrRbSr...CdInSnSbTeIXeCsBa...HgTlPbBiPoAtRnFrRa...CnNhFlMcLvTsOg  An example of a periodic table   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.

Category:Periodic table