Which of the following elements exhibits the greatest metallic character?

• A. Al (Aluminum)
• B. Na (Sodium)
• C. Fe (Iron)
• D. Fr (Francium)

Answer: (D)

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 its position on the periodic table.
2. Recall 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 electrons.
3. Also remember that metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) because atoms hold their electrons more tightly.
4. Compare the given elements: Sodium (Na) is in Group 1 and Period 3, Aluminum (Al) is in Group 13 and Period 3, and Iron (Fe) is in Group 8 and Period 4. Sodium is more metallic than Aluminum and Iron because it is further to the left and in the same period as Aluminum, and Iron is further to the right and in a higher period.
5. Francium (Fr), although not listed among the options, is in Group 1 and Period 7, which places it at the bottom of the alkali metals group, making it the element with the greatest metallic character due to its large atomic size and low ionization energy.