Question

Which element would you expect to be more metallic? (a) Ca or Rb (b) Mg or Ra (c) Br or I

Answer 1

Explanation:

When we move across a period from left to right then there will occur an increase in electronegativity and also there will occur an increase in non-metallic character of the elements.

As calcium (Ca) is a group 2A element and rubidium (Rb) is a group 1A element. Hence, Rb being an alkali metal is more metallic in nature than calcium (alkaline earth metal).

Both magnesium (Mg) and radium (Ra) are group 2A elements. And, when we move down a group then as the size of element increases so, it becomes easy of the metal atom to lose an electron.

As a result, there occurs an increase in metallic character of the element. Hence, Radium (Ra) is more metallic in nature than magnesium (Mg).

Also, both bromine and iodine are group 17 elements. Since, both of them are non-metals and non-metallic character increases on moving down the group.

Therefore, bromine (Br) is more metallic than iodine.