Question

Of the elements Na, C, Si, and P, which is a metal?

a. Na
b. C
c. Si
d. P

Answer 1

a. Na - Sodium

Sodium is an alkali metal in Group 1A of the periodic table. Metals are found in groups 1A, 2A, and 3A, along with the transition and inner transition metals.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

A metal is a substance which loses electron(s) in order to attain stability.

For example, sodium is an alkali metals with atomic number 11 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 1.

So, in order to attain stability sodium will readily lose 1 electron and forms
`Na^(+)` ion.

Whereas non-metals are the substances which gain electron(s) in order to attain stability.

For example, atomic number of carbon is 6 and its electronic configuration is 2, 4.

To attain stability a carbon atom shares it 4 valence electrons with another atom.

Thus, we can conclude that out of the given options, Na is a metal.