Question

How does metallic character change when we move (i) across a period from left to right, (ii) down a group ?

Answer 1

Answer:

i.Metallic characteristics decrease from left to right across a period. This is caused by the decrease in radius (caused by Zeff, as stated above) of the atom that allows the outer electrons to ionize more readily.

ii .Metallic characteristics increase down a group. Electron shielding causes the atomic radius to increase thus the outer electrons ionizes more readily than electrons in smaller atoms.

Metallic character relates to the ability to lose electrons, and nonmetallic character relates to the ability to gain electrons.