How does metallic character change down a group?
- Stays constant
- Decreases
- Increases
- Varies randomly
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: C. Increases
1. Down a group, atomic radius grows so outer electrons are loosely held.
2. Atoms therefore lose electrons more easily, becoming more metallic.
3. Caesium is more metallic than sodium for this reason.
4. So metallic character increases down a group.
5. The opposite holds across a period.
_Source: syllabus Science Ch 5 'Periodic Classification of Elements'_