Based on periodic trends, when does an atom typically exhibit the greatest metallic character and reactivity?

• A. When it is located in the upper right corner of the periodic table
• B. When it is located in the upper left corner of the periodic table
• C. When it is located in the middle of the periodic table
• D. When it is located in the lower left corner of the periodic table

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an atom can lose electrons to form positive ions, which is related to its ability to conduct electricity and its general chemical reactivity as a metal.
2. Recall the periodic trends: metallic character increases as you move down a group (column) because atoms have more electron shells, making it easier to lose outer electrons due to increased distance and shielding.
3. Metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) because atoms have more protons, increasing effective nuclear charge and holding onto electrons more tightly.
4. Combine these trends to identify that the greatest metallic character and reactivity occur in elements located at the lower left corner of the periodic table, where atoms are large and have low ionization energies.
5. Therefore, the atom with the greatest metallic character and reactivity is typically found in the lower left corner of the periodic table.