Question

The nonmetallic character of elements moving from left to right across a period of the periodic table.

• A. Decrease
• B. Increase
• C. Remains the same
• D. Depend on the period

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Increase

The explanation for the correct option

(B) - Increases

• On the right side and center of the periodic table the metals are present, towards the right of the table there are metalloids and nonmetals.
• Metallic character decreases and non-metallic character increases in moving from left to right in a period.
• It is due to an increase in ionization enthalpy and electron gain enthalpy due to the increase in effective nuclear charge.
• And the nonmetallic character of an atom is its tendency to gain electrons when we move from left to right in a period, electrons are added to the same outermost shell. At this time protons get added to the nucleus increasing nuclear charge due to which electrons experience greater pull from the nucleus, thus the ability of an atom to become an anion by accepting outside electrons increases.
• Nonmetallic character decreases on moving from top to bottom in a group.
• Hence it shows an increase in nonmetallic character when we move from left to right.

Therefore, the correct option is Option (B)