Question

How does the metallic character vary across the period? Explain.

Answer 1

Along a period, the size of the elements increases. The increase in size is because of the increase in the number of the shells in the atom. As the number of shells increases, the electrons in the outermost shell move farther and farther away from the nucleus. Hence, the attraction between the nucleus and the electrons of the outermost shell decreases, making it easier for the atom to lose or release those electrons. As an element loses more and more electrons easily it becomes more metallic. However, phenomena like shielding effect limit the number of electrons that can be lost from an atom.