Answer: On a periodic table, metalloids distinguish metals from nonmetals. Metals are the elements to the left of the line. Metalloids are elements that have properties of both metals and nonmetals and are found just to the right of the line. Nonmetals include oxygen, chlorine, and argon, among others. Boron, silicon, and arsenic are all metalloids. Iron, tin, sodium, and plutonium are examples of metals.
Nature contains a total of 118 elements.
Metals = 92
Non-metallics = 20
Metalloids = 6.