Question

Which of the following set of elements is written in order of their increasing metallic character?

• A. Be Mg Ca
• B. Na Li K
• C. Mg Al Si
• D. C O N

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Be Mg Ca

Explanation for the correct option:

Metallic character is defined as the character which involves the loss of electron readily by the elements.

Metallic character increases as we move down a group. $\mathrm{Be},\mathrm{Mg},\mathrm{Ca}$is written in order of their increasing metallic character.

Option (A) is correct. $\mathrm{Be}\mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{Ca}$

1. $\mathrm{Be},\mathrm{Mg},\mathrm{Ca}$belong to Group $2$ of the periodic table.
2. Hence they share the same metallic properties.
3. But on moving down the group, the metallic character increases due to the addition of newer shells.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

B) Na Li K

1. Although the three metals are in Group $1$ sharing similar properties, they are not arranged in the increasing order of their atomic numbers.
2. The metallic character on moving down the group increases in the order of Li, Na, K.
3. Thus, this is incorrect.

C) Mg Al Si

1. The electropositivity decreases appreciably on moving from left to right in a period in the periodic table.
2. Thus the metallic character decreases on moving from left to right in a period in the periodic table.
3. Thus, this is incorrect.

D) C O N

1. As electronegativity increases on moving from left to right in a period in the periodic table, the nonmetallic character increases.
2. The increasing order of metallic character in the these elements is seen as O, N, C.
3. Thus, this is incorrect.

Hence option (A) is correct.