Science has categorized metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on the periodic table.
Metals take up most of the periodic table and are classified as metals.
Non-metals are usually gases at room temperature and can be found on the right side of the periodic table.
Metalloids are located in the middle of the periodic table and are located on the staircase.
Metals are malleable, can change shapes, and are pretty strong.
Metals are also good conductors and allow electricity to flow through.
Graphite, which is also made up of carbon, is a good conductor of electricity and is used in pencils.
Non-metals are brittle and break easily.
Charcoal, which is made up of mostly carbon, is a non-metal and does not allow electricity to flow through.
Silicon, which is shiny like a metal, is a metalloid and is brittle.
Metalloids are in the middle in between metals and non-metals and are semiconductors, meaning they do conduct electricity but not as great as metals and not as poorly as non-metals.
Non-metals are usually gases at room temperature and are located on the right side of the periodic table.