Question

Considering the elements B, C, N, F and Si, the correct order of their non-metallic character is:

• A. B > C > Si > N > F
• B. Si > C > B > N > F
• C. F > N > C > B > Si
• D. F > N > C > Si >B

Answer 1

The correct option is C

F > N > C > B > Si

We know that the metallic character of an element depends on how readily it can lose its electrons.

As we move across the period, the size of the atom decreases which means the attraction between the nuclei and the electrons increases so the metallic character decreases.

Metallic properties increase down the group as the size of an atom increases which leads to the lesser attraction between the nuclei and the electrons, thus, the outermost electrons of metallic atoms are loosely bound.

$\to$ Non-metallic character is just opposite of metallic character.

Therefore, it increases along the period and decreases down the group.

Now,

$F\to 1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^5\left[2^{nd}Period\right]$

$N\to 1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3\left[2^{nd}Period\right]$

$C\to 1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^2\left[2^{nd}Period\right]$

$B\to 1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^1\left[2^{nd}Period\right]$

$Si\to 1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^2\left[3^{rd}Period\right]$

Therefore,

Si will be least [$\downarrow$Down the group]

Between F, N, C and B

F > N > C > B [$\uparrow$ Along the period]

Therefore,
F > N > C > B > Si [Non-Metallic Character]