Question

The electronic configurations of three elements 'A', 'B', and 'C' are 2, 8, 3; 2, 8, 18, 4; 2, 8, 4, respectively. The order of the non-metallic character is

• A. C>A>B
• B. B>C>A
• C. C>B>A
• D. B>A>C

Answer 1

The correct option is C

C>B>A

The explanation for the correct option C):

1. Non-metallic character refers to an atom's ability to take electrons and form a negative ion (anion).
2. Non-metallic character increases as we move from left to right in a periodic table and decreases as we move down a group
3. Higher the tendency to accept the electrons to complete its valence shell, more is the non-metallic character.
4. Element ‘A’ - 2, 8, 3 : The atomic number of this element is 13, and thus it is Aluminum. Also, it donates its electron for a stable configuration as it is not possible to accept 5 electrons. Hence, A is a metal (metals donate electrons to form ions).
5. Element ‘B’- 2, 8, 18, 4; The atomic number of this element is 32, and thus it is Germanium. It belongs to the carbon group and it is a metalloid. Hence, its non-metallic character is greater than metal but lesser than non-metal.
6. Element ‘C’- 2, 8, 4; Silicon has an atomic number of 14. It is a non-metal that is solid at ambient temperature.
7. Thus, the correct order of the non-metallic character is C>B>A.

Hence, option (C) is correct.