Which of the following diagrams correctly depicts the general trend for metallic character in the periodic table?

• A. Metallic character increases from top to bottom within a group and from right to left across a period.
• B. Metallic character increases from top to bottom within a group and from left to right across a period.
• C. Metallic character increases from bottom to top within a group and from left to right across a period.
• D. Metallic character increases from bottom to top within a group and from right to left across a period.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an element can lose electrons to form positive ions, which is related to properties like malleability, conductivity, and reactivity of metals.
2. Recall the general periodic trends: metallic character increases as you move down a group because atoms have more electron shells, making it easier to lose outer electrons due to increased atomic size and shielding effect.
3. Recall that metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period because atoms have more protons, increasing effective nuclear charge and holding onto electrons more tightly, making it harder to lose electrons.
4. Combine these two trends to conclude that metallic character increases from top to bottom within a group and from right to left across a period.
5. Use this understanding to identify the correct diagram that shows metallic character increasing downward in groups and increasing toward the left across periods.