Question

State the relation between the metallic character of elements and reactivity, and the non-metallic character of non-metals and reactivity.

Answer 1

Part-1: The relation between the metallic character of elements and reactivity

• The extent of reactivity of a metal is referred to as its metallic character.
• As you move down the group, the metallic character increase because ionization energy drops as one moves down a group (or increases as one moves up a group)
• Hence, metals lower in a group have a greater tendency to lose electrons, making them more reactive.

Part-2: The relation between the non-metallic character of non-metals and reactivity.

• The reactivity of nonmetals decreases as we move down the group.
• This is due to an increase in the number of valence shells. The internuclear force of attraction that the nucleus exerts on the electrons weakens.