Which of the following elements most easily gives up electrons, demonstrating the greatest metallic character?

• A. Cl
• B. Na
• C. O
• D. Si

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how easily an element loses electrons to form positive ions. Elements with greater metallic character tend to be good electron donors.
2. Recall the position of the elements in the periodic table: Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal in Group 1, Silicon (Si) is a metalloid in Group 14, Chlorine (Cl) is a halogen in Group 17, and Oxygen (O) is a nonmetal in Group 16.
3. Recognize that metallic character increases as you move down a group and decreases as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table.
4. Since Sodium (Na) is located farthest to the left and near the top of the periodic table among the given elements, it has the lowest ionization energy and most readily loses electrons.
5. Conclude that Sodium (Na) most easily gives up electrons, demonstrating the greatest metallic character among the options provided.