Question

How can you tell which elements are more metallic than others by just looking at the periodic table?

Answer 1

The metallic character of elements on the periodic table increases down a group and decreases across a period. The most metallic elements are located at the bottom left of the periodic table, transitioning to nonmetals at the upper right.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the metallic character of elements by just looking at the periodic table, you need to understand periodic trends. Metallic character increases as you move down a group (column) because the atomic size increases, making the valence electrons less tightly held and easier to remove. Conversely, the metallic character generally decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row) because the atomic size decreases, resulting in valence electrons being more tightly held and thus more difficult to remove. Moreover, elements on the left side of the periodic table show stronger metallic properties compared to those on the right side, which display nonmetallic character.

The most metallic elements are found at the bottom left of the periodic table, such as Francium and Cesium. On the other hand, nonmetals are found in the upper right-hand corner, with metalloids forming a diagonal transition between these two groups. The variations in atomic mass, although significant, are less directly related to metallic character compared to the position in rows and columns.

Answer 2

The Periodic table of elements is divided in 18 columns, which is called a group or a family. A group of elements share the same physical or chemical characteristics. Elements that are more metallic than others are in group or column 1 also called Alkali Metals. Alkali metals are considered to be very reactive and can explode if it comes in contact with water. Hydrogen has been considered to have the characteristics of both Alkali metal and Halogens.