Question

Which of ONE of the following four elements has the most metallic properties?

The atomic numbers of the elements are listed below.
12
14
16
17​

Answer 1

12 (Magnesium- Mg)

Step-by-step explanation:

Looking at the four numbers, we have:

Magnesium, Silicon, Sulfur, and Chlorine.

We can eliminate two of the answers immediately just by looking at the periodic table.

Sulfur and Chlorine are on the nonmetal side of the periodic table. So that's definitely not it. That leaves Magnesium and Silicon.

Silicon is a Metalloid. Magnesium is an Alkaline earth Metal.

Metaloids are elements that have a mix of both metal and nonmetal properties (luster, how it feels, etc.). Since it's a MIX and Magnesium is just straight METAL-

We can say Magnesium has the most metallic properties.

hope this helps!!