Question

The elements of the third period of the Periodic Table are given below: Which is more nonmetallic, $S$ or $Cl$?

Answer 1

Non-metallic element in Period$3$:

• On moving from $Na$ to $Cl$ in the third period, atomic number increases, and thereby, the nuclear charge also increases, and so does the tendency to gain electrons.
• This leads to a greater attraction of the electrons towards the nucleus, leading to the shrinkage of the atom.
• Therefore, $Cl$ is more non-metallic than $S$.