Metallic Character Across the Periodic Table

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

Does metallic character increase, decrease, or remain unchanged as one goes from left to right across a row of the periodic table?

Answer:

As one goes from left to right across a row of the periodic table, the metallic character generally decreases.

To explain this trend, let's consider these terms:

1. Metallic character: This refers to a set of properties associated with metals, such as the ability to lose electrons and form positive ions, conduct heat and electricity, and exhibit malleability and ductility.

2. Periodic table: This is a tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties.

3. Row: In the periodic table, a row is called a period. Elements in a period share the same highest electron energy level.

As you move from left to right across a row (period) of the periodic table, the atomic number increases, which means there are more protons in the nucleus and more electrons surrounding it. The increase in the number of protons results in a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons. This stronger attraction makes it more difficult for an element to lose electrons and exhibit metallic character.

So, in conclusion, the metallic character generally decreases as one goes from left to right across a row of the periodic table.