How are atoms categorized on the periodic table?

Atoms are categorized on the periodic table primarily as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals. This classification is based on the elements' shared properties and characteristics. Metals, which occupy the majority of the periodic table, are typically good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile. They tend to lose electrons and form positive ions. Nonmetals, on the other hand, are found on the right side of the periodic table and generally display poor conductivity and are often brittle in solid form. They tend to gain electrons or share electrons during chemical reactions, forming negative ions or covalent bonds.

Metalloids exhibit properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals, making them useful in various applications, particularly in semiconductors. The distinction among these categories helps to predict the behavior of the elements in chemical reactions and their physical properties, guiding the understanding of their interactions and uses in different scientific and practical applications.

In contrast, categorization by color or state of matter does not accurately reflect the fundamental properties of elements in a meaningful way relevant to their chemical behavior. Atomic mass, while relevant for some purposes, does not provide insight into the chemical reactivity or bonding characteristics of the elements as effectively as the classification into metals,