Metallic character for the main group elements generally
A)increases from left to right across a period and increases down a group.
B)increases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group.
C)decreases from left to right across a period and increases down a group.
D)decreases from left to right across a period and decreases down a group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Metallic character is the tendency of an atom to lose electrons and form a positive ion. Across a period, the number of protons increases, resulting in a stronger attraction between the nucleus and valence electrons, making it harder for the atom to lose electrons and thus decreasing the metallic character. Down a group, the valence electrons are farther from the nucleus, and the atomic size increases, leading to the weakening of the attraction between the nucleus and valence electrons, resulting in an increase in the metallic character. Therefore, metallic character decreases from left to right across a period and increases down a group.

Metallic Character for the Main Group Elements Generally