Question

In the periodic table, the metallic character of elements:

• A. increases, (i) from left to right across a period and (ii) on descending a group
• B. decreases, (i) from left to right across a period and (ii) on moving up group from bottom to top
• C. increases from left to right across a period and decreases on descending a group
• D. increases from right to left across a period and increases on descending a group

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B decreases, (i) from left to right across a period and (ii) on moving up group from bottom to top
D increases from right to left across a period and increases on descending a group

Metallic character decreases as you move across a period in the periodic table from left to right. This occurs as atoms more readily accept electrons to fill a valence shell than lose them to remove the unfilled shell. Metallic character increases as you move down an element group in the periodic table. This is because electrons become easier to lose as the atomic radius increases, where there is less attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons because of the increased distance between them.