Question

Within a group of the periodic table as one goes from downward to upward, the metallic character :

• A. decreases
• B. increases
• C. first increases then decreases
• D. does not change

Answer 1

The correct option is A decreases

The metallic character of an element can be defined as how readily an atom can lose an electron. Metallic characteristics increases down a group as electron shielding causes the atomic radius to increase thus the outer electrons ionizes more readily than electrons in smaller atoms. Thus, within a group of the periodic table as one goes from downward to upward, the metallic character decreases.