Question

Arrange $Si,Be,Mg,Na$ and $P$ in the decreasing order of their metallic character.

• A. $Si>Be>Mg>Na>P$
• B. $Be>Si>Mg>P>Na$
• C. $Na>Mg>Be>Si>P$
• D. $P>Si>Be>Na>Mg$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $Na>Mg>Be>Si>P$

Metallic character refers to the level of reactivity of a metal. Metals tend to lose electrons in chemical reactions as indicated by their low ionization energies. Within a compound, metal atoms have relatively low attraction for electrons as indicated by their low electronegativities. The trend in the metallic character is opposite to that of ionization energy. Metallic character increases down a group and decreases along a period as we move from left to right. Hence the order of metallic character is $Na>Mg>Be>Si>P$.