Multiple Choice
Which pair of elements is most likely to be ductile based on their position in the periodic table and their metallic character?
23
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Metallic Character
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following elements has the greatest metallic character?
A
Na
B
K
C
Al
D
Mg
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that metallic character refers to how readily an element can lose electrons to form positive ions, which is related to its position on the periodic table.
Understand that metallic character increases as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table because atoms have more electron shells, making it easier to lose outer electrons.
Also, metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) because atoms hold their electrons more tightly due to increasing nuclear charge.
Identify the positions of the elements: Na (Sodium) and K (Potassium) are in Group 1, with K below Na; Mg (Magnesium) and Al (Aluminum) are in Period 3, with Mg in Group 2 and Al in Group 13.
Compare the elements based on their group and period positions: since K is below Na in Group 1, K has a greater metallic character than Na, Mg, and Al.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Periodic Trend: Metallic Character practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations