| A | B |
|---|
| vertical columns of the periodic table | groups |
| horizontal rows of the periodic table | periods |
| elements to the left of the staircase | metals |
| elements to the right of the staircase | nonmetals |
| elements on the staircase | metalloids |
| elements that are shiny and conductive | metals |
| elements that are dull and nonconductive | nonmetals |
| group IA | alkali metals |
| group IIA | alkaline earth metals |
| group VIA | chalcogens (oxygen group) |
| group VIIA | halogens |
| group VIIIA | noble gases |
