Which of the following gaseous elements exhibits the least metallic character?

• A. Nitrogen (N_2)
• B. Oxygen (O_2)
• C. Hydrogen (H_2)
• D. Neon (Ne)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an element loses electrons to form positive ions, which is typical of metals. Elements with low metallic character tend to gain electrons or share electrons rather than lose them.
2. Recall that metallic character generally decreases across a period (left to right) on the periodic table and increases down a group (top to bottom).
3. Identify the position of each element in the periodic table: Hydrogen (H) is in group 1, period 1; Nitrogen (N) is in group 15, period 2; Oxygen (O) is in group 16, period 2; Neon (Ne) is in group 18, period 2.
4. Recognize that Neon (Ne) is a noble gas with a full valence shell, making it very stable and the least metallic (in fact, it is nonmetallic and chemically inert).
5. Conclude that among the given gaseous elements, Neon exhibits the least metallic character because it is a noble gas with a complete octet and does not tend to lose electrons.