What are the four major categories in which the elements are divided? (2024)

Elements are divided into four major categories:

1. Metals
2. Non-metals
3. Metalloids
4. Noble gases

• Metals- Metals are hard solid elements, have ductility, and malleability, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.
• Example- Silver$\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$,Iron$\left(\mathrm{Fe}\right)$, etc.
• Non-metals- Non-metals have a dull appearance, they can be either solid, liquid, or gas.
• Example- Oxygen$\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$, Carbon$\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$, etc.
• Metalloids- Metalloids are the elements having properties between metals and non-metals.
• Example- Silicon$\left(\mathrm{Si}\right)$, Germanium$\left(\mathrm{Ge}\right)$, etc.
• Noble gases- Noble gases are also known are inert gases, are a separate class unlike the rest of the elements, and they do not react with other elements.
• Example- Helium$\left(\mathrm{He}\right)$, Neon$\left(\mathrm{Ne}\right)$, etc.