question_answer 13)

By considering their position in the periodic table, which one of the following elements would you expect to have maximum metallic characteristics ?     Ga, Ge, As, Se, Be                          

Answer:

Arranging the above elements in different groups and periods in order of their increasing atomic numbers, we have                                                  Periods                 12           3              4              4 Group 1                -              -              -             -                                 Group 2                -              Be           -             -                                  Group 13             -              -              -             Ga                                Group 14             -              -              -             Ge                           Group 15             -              -              -             As                                 Group 16             -              -              -             Se We know that metallic character decreases from left to right in a period and increases down a group. Therefore, out of the elements listed in the question. Be and Ga are expected to be most metallic. Out of Be and Ga, Ga is bigger in size and hence has greater tendency to lose electrons than Be. Therefore, Ga is more metallic than Be.