Question

Arrange the elements Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba in increasing order of their metallic character.

Answer 1

Metallic character: Metallic character describes the set of chemical properties that are associated with the elements classified as metals in the periodic table.

• These above given elements belong to the second group. The second group elements are called as alkaline earth metal.
• Second group elements are: Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra.
• Metallic character increases as we move down group because electrons become easier to lose. As the atomic radius increases, there is less attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons.
• Hence, the correct order is : Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba.