Question

Among the elements with atomic numbers 9, 12, 16 and 36 which is highly electropositive?

• A. Element with atomic number 9
• B. Element with atomic number 12
• C. Element with atomic number 16
• D. Element with atomic number 36

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Element with atomic number 12

The element with atomic number 12 is highly electropositive. it readily loses two electrons to attain stable noble gas electronic configuration.

The electronic configurations of the given elements are given below.

Z=9; $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5$

Z=12; $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^2$

Z=16; $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^4$

Z = 36; $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{10}4s^{2}4p^6$

Electropositivity decreases along the period while it increases going down the group.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{B}$