Question

Which group has the least metallic character?

Answer 1

We need to remember that the periodic table is an arrangement of atoms in order of their increasing atomic number. It comprises groups and periods in which atoms are arranged. When atoms are placed from up to down, it represents a group while when atoms are arranged in left to right motion represents period.

Complete answer:
As we know that in total there are $18$ groups and $7$ periods in a periodic table. As we have discussed above, elements that are usually placed on the left in the periodic table represent metals. So usually s block elements, d block elements they are metals including alkali metals, alkaline earth metal and transition metals. So it can be said that these atoms or groups will have a high metallic character. When we talk of non-metals, they are placed in p block elements i.e. group $13,14,15$ and so on. Group $17$ and group $18$ have the least or lowest metallic character. Now if we analyze the trends in the periodic table, metallic character decreases as you move from left to right and from bottom to top of the periodic table. Metallic character is mostly dependent on an element’s ability to do away its valence electrons. Group $1$ is the one on the periodic table which has the greatest metallic character and group $17$ is the one with the lowest metallic character.

Note:
We need to know that the p block elements generally have all three in them i.e. metals, nonmetals or metalloids. Now on moving forward towards group $17$ and $18$, they are amongst the all that have least metallic character since they are in order to attain stable electronic configuration.