Of the elements listed in the choices, which would be expected to have the most metallic character?

• A. Cs
• B. Ca
• C. Ge
• D. P
• E. O

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of metallic character: Metallic character refers to how easily an element can lose electrons to form positive ions. Elements with high metallic character are typically good conductors of electricity and heat, have high luster, and are malleable.
2. Identify the trend of metallic character in the periodic table: Metallic character increases as you move down a group and decreases as you move across a period from left to right.
3. Locate the elements on the periodic table: Cs (Cesium), Ca (Calcium), Ge (Germanium), P (Phosphorus), and O (Oxygen).
4. Analyze the position of each element: Cs is located in Group 1 and is the furthest down the group among the choices, indicating it has the highest metallic character. Ca is in Group 2, Ge is in Group 14, P is in Group 15, and O is in Group 16.
5. Conclude based on the periodic trends: Since Cs is the furthest down in Group 1, it has the most metallic character compared to the other elements listed.