Question

Which one of the following elements is a non-metal?

• A. Mercury
• B. Phosphorous
• C. Copper
• D. Sodium

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Phosphorous

Explanation for correct option:

(B) Phosphorous

Trend of metallic character:

• Metallic character decreases across a period on moving from left to right. in the periodic table.
• It increases on moving down in the group in the periodic table.
• The elements that has the most metallic character is Francium.
• The other elements that are metallic in nature are Cesium , Sodium and Copper Cu.

Phosphorous

• Phosphorus is named after the Greek word 'phosphorous,' which means 'bringer of light.'
• On Earth, phosphorus does not exist in its pure elemental form.
• White, red, violet, and black phosphorus are all allotropes of the element phosphorus.

Explanation for incorrect options

• Phosphorus is a non-metal.
• Hence all other options (A), (C) and (D) are incorrect.

Therefore, the correct option is (B) Phosphorous.