Chemistry
State the factors which affect the metallic and the non-metallic character of elements in a periodic table.
Answer
Factors which affect metallic and non-metallic character in a periodic table are as follows :
Atomic size — The greater the atomic size, the farther the outermost orbit, and thus lesser is the nuclear pull exerted on it. As a result, electrons can be removed more easily from the valence shell, this making the element more metallic and less non-metallic.
Nuclear charge — The greater the nuclear charge, the greater is the force exerted by the nucleus on the electron of the outermost orbit. This makes it difficult to remove the electron from the outermost orbit. Thus, metallic nature decreases and non-metallic nature increases.
Related Questions
Give reasons for the following:
Atomic size of an element depends on the nuclear charge of that element.
Give reasons for the following:
Down a group electronegativity should increase with increase in nuclear charge but it is seen that the electronegativity decreases.
Give reasons for the following:
If combining atoms have nearly similar electronegativities the bond between them is covalent.
Arrange the following elements as per the guidelines in brackets.
- Na, Cl, Mg, P [in decreasing order of atomic size]
- C, Li, F, N [in increasing order of electronegativity]
- Cl, Al, Na, S [in increasing order of ionization potential]
- Li, F, C, O [in increasing order of electron affinity]
- Ar, He, Ne [in increasing order of number of electron shells]