Metals and non-metals are two types of materials that can be distinguished by their physical and chemical properties. Metals are elements that have a strong metallic connection between their atoms, making them generally hard. Non-metals, on the other hand, are typically soft components. Metals are defined as elements with 1,2 or 3 electrons in their valence shell of their structure. Non-metals are elements containing four, five, six, or seven electrons in their outermost shell. Metals make up the majority of elements in the periodic table, whereas non-metals make up the minority.