Give the symbol of the element that has the
e. least metallic character in Group 4A (14)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in Group 4A (14) of the periodic table. These elements are Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb).
2. Recall the trend for metallic character in the periodic table. Metallic character decreases as you move from left to right across a period and decreases as you move up a group.
3. Since we are looking for the element with the least metallic character, focus on the element that is highest in Group 4A (14).
4. The element at the top of Group 4A (14) is Carbon (C), which is a nonmetal and has the least metallic character compared to the other elements in the group.
5. Conclude that the symbol for the element with the least metallic character in Group 4A (14) is 'C'.

Key Concepts

Group 4A (14) Elements

Group 4A, also known as Group 14 in the periodic table, includes elements such as carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb). These elements exhibit a range of properties, including varying metallic and non-metallic characteristics. Understanding the position of these elements in the periodic table is crucial for determining their metallic character.

Metallic Character

Metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions, which is a characteristic of metals. This property generally increases down a group in the periodic table and decreases across a period from left to right. Elements with high metallic character are typically good conductors of heat and electricity, while those with low metallic character are more likely to be non-metals.

Trends in the Periodic Table

Trends in the periodic table, such as electronegativity, ionization energy, and metallic character, help predict the behavior of elements. For Group 4A, as you move from carbon to lead, the metallic character increases. Therefore, to identify the element with the least metallic character in this group, one must recognize that carbon, being the topmost element, exhibits the highest non-metallic character.