Question

Sodium [Na] and Sulphur [S] both are present in the third period of the modern periodic table. Which is more metallic and why?

Answer 1

In the given question firstly we have to define the Metallic character, it refers to the level of reactivity of a metal. The fact is that we know that the metallic character decreases as we move along the period. Since the compound of Sodium belongs to group $1$ while the sulphur also belongs to group $16$ .

Complete step by step answer: The given question statement asks about the comparison between the two different kinds of elements from the same period of the modern periodic table which gives us the idea regarding the electronegativities and the electropositivities of the elements. The elements which are compared here are the sulphur and sodium. When we talk about the Metallic character, it refers to the level of reactivity of a metal. Metals have the tendency to lose electrons in the chemical reactions, as it is indicated by their low ionization energies. Within a given compound, the metal atoms have the relatively low attraction for electrons, as it is indicated by their low level of electronegativities. The atoms which are having the ability to lose electrons are known as the metals.
Both the atoms of the Sodium $\left[ {Na} \right]$ and Sulphur $\left[ S \right]$ both are present in the third period of modern periodic table ( as mentioned in the given problem statement ) but sodium belongs to alkali earth metal which is highly reactive which also mean that it has greater tendency to lose electron. Also as we know that the metallic character decreases as we move along the period. Since the compound of Sodium belongs to group $1$ while the sulphur also belongs to group $16$ .
Thus, The metal Sodium is more metallic than non-metal Sulphur.

Note: Sodium was first isolated by Humphry Davy in $1807$ by the electrolysis of sodium hydroxide. Among many other useful sodium compounds, sodium hydroxide (lye) is used in soap manufacture, and sodium chloride (edible salt) is a de-icing agent and a nutrient for animals including humans.