Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the relationship between metallic character and ionization energy across the periodic table?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Metallic Character
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In which direction on the periodic table does metallic character increase?
A
From left to right and from top to bottom
B
From left to right and from bottom to top
C
From right to left and from top to bottom
D
From right to left and from bottom to top
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an element can lose electrons to form positive ions (cations), which is a key property of metals.
Recall that metallic character generally increases as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table because atoms have more electron shells, making it easier to lose electrons.
Recall that metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) because atoms gain more protons, increasing effective nuclear charge and holding onto electrons more tightly.
Combine these trends to conclude that metallic character increases from right to left across a period and from top to bottom down a group.
Therefore, the direction in which metallic character increases on the periodic table is from right to left and from top to bottom.
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