Question

X is an element having atomic number 20.

(i)Find whether the element is a metal or nonmetal?

Answer 1

Metallic Character: Metals are those elements that have a tendency to electrons to form a positive ion.

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Ca}\to {\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-} \\ (2,8,8,2)(2,8,8) \end{gathered}$$

Non-Metallic Character: Non-metals are elements that have a tendency to gain electrons to form a negative ion.

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Cl}+{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to {\mathrm{Cl}}^{-} \\ (2,8,7)(2,8,8) \end{gathered}$$

According to the question:

Element Name	Atomic Number	Electronic Configuration K shell	L shell	M shell	N shell
Calcium $\left(\mathrm{Ca}\right)$	20	2	8	8	2

The electronic configuration of the given atomic number 20 can be written as$2,8,8,2.$

Since it has the capability to remove the two extreme electrons present in its outermost shell in order to attain the most stable nearest noble gas configuration.

Thus, the element X having the atomic number 20 is a Metal.