Question

Considering the atomic number and position in the periodic table, arrange the following elements in the increasing order of metallic character: $Si,Be,Mg,Na,P.$ [3 Marks]

Answer 1

Arranging the elements into different groups and periods in order of their increasing atomic numbers.

$1$ $2$ $13$ $14$ $15$

----- $Be$ ---- ----- -----

$Na$ $Mg$ ---- $Si$ $P$

We know, metallic character increases down a group and decreases along a period as we move from left to right. [1 Mark]

Therefore, $Na$ is the most metallic element, followed by $Mg$ and $Si$ while $P$ is the least metallic element. Comparing $Be$ and $Mg,Mg$ is more metallic than $Be.$ [1 Mark]

So, the overall order of increasing metallic character is:
$P<Si<Be<Mg<Na$ [1 Mark]