Why there are more metallic elements than non metallic elements in the periodic table ?
Metallic elements are those that have mobile outer, or valence, electrons. These electrons help determine the how the atoms fit together, causing the physical characteristics of luster, malleability, elasticity, etc. So until you get over to the right side of the periodic chart, the outer most electrons are available for delocalization. The non-metals have a tendency to form complete electronic outer shells, either with themselves or with other compounds, which makes them less likely to have mobile electrons. This tendency to form complete outer shells is countered by the size of the atom, which is why you get the “staircase” that is the dividing line between metals and non metals as you drop down the periodic chart.
