2007-03-24 16:13:22 · 3 answers · asked by dundledee 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It has to do with the number of electrons in the outer shell of the atom, and how as you add protons to a nucleus, where electrons are added - the diagonal line is an artifact of the way we diagram the periodic table - all the noble gases are on the right side - with halides one column in - some of the table is sort of stuffed inside because of the way the outer electron shell is configured for larger atoms. The Lantinide and Actinide series are poked in the middle because their outer electron shell is metallic through the entire series - metals have a few electrons in their outer shells, which can swap back and forth between atoms easily (aka overlapping conduction bands) - making them good conductors, and 'metallic' coloring as light is not strongly absorbed in any particular wavelength... - hope this helps!
2007-03-24 16:31:14 · answer #1 · answered by Steve E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's just the way it is. The elements to the left of the stair-step line exhibit metallic character, those to the right do not. Those that straddle the line are considered metalloids.
2007-03-24 23:22:02 · answer #2 · answered by TheOnlyBeldin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you serious?
2007-03-24 23:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by questionmarkguy2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋