Question

How does metallic character change when we move-

(i) across a period from left to right, (ii) down a group?

Answer 1

i) As we go from left to right in a period the metallic character decreases. We know that the metal has a tendency to lose electrons. Elements on the left have 1,2,3 electrons in their outermost shell which goes on increasing as we move towards the right. It is easy to lose 1,2,3 electrons so the elements on the left are metals and going further metallic character decreases.

ii) As we go down in a group the metallic character increases due to increase in size makes it easier to remove the electrons.