As you move down a group in the periodic table, how does the metallic character (reactivity of metals) typically change?

• A. It fluctuates unpredictably with no clear trend.
• B. It remains the same for all elements in the group.
• C. It increases because valence electrons are more easily lost.
• D. It decreases because atoms hold onto their electrons more tightly.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metallic character refers to how easily an element loses electrons to form positive ions, which is related to its reactivity as a metal.
2. Recall that as you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic size increases because additional electron shells are added.
3. Recognize that with more electron shells, the valence electrons are farther from the nucleus and experience greater shielding from inner electrons, reducing the effective nuclear charge felt by these valence electrons.
4. Because the valence electrons are held less tightly, they are more easily lost, which means the metallic character increases as you move down the group.
5. Therefore, the trend is that metallic character increases down a group due to the easier loss of valence electrons caused by increased atomic size and shielding.