Question

if an element is in group 17 [or group 7a] is it likely to be metallic or non metallic

Answer 1

Metallic character decreases across the period so element of group 17 will be non metals.

Answer 2

It should be likely to be non-metallic

Group 17 contains-
F-fluorine
Cl-chlorine
Br-bromine
I-iodine

All are combined called Halogens and these Halogens are non metallic in nature.

On going from left to right in periodic table Metallic character decreases hence by this trend we can easily say group 17 will be non- metallic.