On the basis of their characteristics, why are there many more metals than nonmetals?

Question

I don't mean to discuss which is more abundant in the universe. In the periodic table, there are certainly more elements that are classified as metals than those that are classified as nonmetals.

Answer 1

from the periodic table, it is easy to point out that metals make the largest proportion of that table because of the d-block (the transition metals, for eg, gold, iron, copper etc).

why are there so many d block elements? the truth is based on the principle that d-orbitals in atoms can hold 10 electrons each, whereas the s-orbitals hold 2 and p orbitals hold 6. as you can see, it is more likely for a random element on the table to have a valence electron in the d-orbital than the s- or p-orbital combined. that is why most of our elements are in the d-block. guess what? all the d-block elements are metals.

Answer 2

The most abundant element in the universe is Hydrogen. I don't know if you want to call that a metal (it does give up an electron though...). The most abundant element in earth's atmosphere is nitrogen (non metal) and most abundant element in earth's crust is oxygen and silicon (both non metals).

So I don't think it's true that there are more metals than non metals.

OK, if you go to the earth's core, there are more metals (iron and nickel), but the mantle (Si and O) is more massive, so I still think non metals outweigh metals.

Answer 3

Umm what about all the transition metals? They take up a fairly good chunk of the table.

Answer 4

because metals are more useful than nonmetals, therefore the person who created them thought logically about there uses before increasing them in number. don't ya think so??

Answer 5

There are more metals due to the definition of what a metal is... ie a malleable ductile good conducter.

Answer 6

Its just easier to be metal.