Where are non-metals located on the periodic table?

Non-metals are primarily found on the right-hand side of the periodic table. This positioning is important because non-metals exhibit distinct chemical properties compared to metals, such as being poor conductors of heat and electricity and often forming anions or covalent compounds. Elements in this region include hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, and the noble gases.

The arrangement of the periodic table highlights these trends in element properties, where the metals are predominantly located on the left side and transition metals in the central block. The right-hand side is characterized by elements that tend to gain electrons in reactions and do not exhibit the malleable or ductile characteristics typical of metals. Understanding the location of non-metals aids in predicting their behavior in chemical reactions and their interactions with metals.