Where can nonmetals be found on the periodic table?

Nonmetals are primarily located on the right side of the periodic table. This area includes elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and halogens. Nonmetals generally possess properties that are quite different from metals, including being poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they tend to have higher ionization energies and electronegativities.

The placement of nonmetals on the right side is significant because it reflects their chemical behavior. For instance, nonmetals readily gain electrons to form anions during chemical reactions, whereas metals, found on the left side, tend to lose electrons to form cations. The right-end position also aligns with the periodic table's organization, where nonmetals stir contrasting characteristics compared to the metals located on the left and towards the center of the table.

While other areas of the periodic table are dominated by metals and metalloids, the right end is primarily occupied by nonmetals, making it the best answer to the question about their location.