How does the metallic character of elements change as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table?

• A. It first increases, then decreases
• B. It decreases
• C. It increases
• D. It remains the same

Answer: (B)

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 a key property of metals.
2. Recall that as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, the number of protons in the nucleus increases, causing a stronger attraction between the nucleus and the electrons.
3. Recognize that this stronger attraction makes it harder for atoms to lose electrons, which means the metallic character decreases across a period.
4. Note that elements on the left side of a period are typically metals with high metallic character, while elements on the right side are nonmetals with low metallic character.
5. Conclude that the metallic character decreases steadily from left to right across a period, so the correct answer is that it decreases.