Question

How does metallic character change down a group?

Answer 1

In the periodic table, the metals are present on the left side and non-metals are present on the right side. The metallic character depends upon the ability to lose the electrons. As we move down to the group, the ability to lose the electron increases and as we move across the period, the ability to lose the electron decreases.

Complete step by step answer:
- As we move across the period from the left to right, the atomic size decreases. Since the electron is added in the same shell due to which the atomic size decreases and there is an increase in the valence electrons. Therefore, the tendency to lose electrons from the outermost shell gets tough from the left to right.
- The metallic character is depending upon the losing of valence electrons. Due to this reason, the ability of an element to lose valence electrons from top to bottom increases. Whereas, in the case of across the period it decreases due to the decrease in the ability to lose valence electrons.
- As we move down to the group the atomic size increases. Since the electron gets added in a new shell due to which the atomic size gets increased. Even the tendency to lose electrons from the outermost valence shell also gets increased as we move down to the group. So, the metallic character gets increased as we move down to the group.

Hence the correct answer is; metallic character increases down a group.

Note: As we move down to the group, there is an increase in atomic size and less energy is required to remove the outermost electron. Whereas, due to the decrease in the atomic size across the period from left to right, the outermost electrons experience the greater nuclear charge and becomes difficult to remove the outermost electrons. Hence, the metallic character increases down to the group and decreases across the period.