Open Question
The list that correctly indicates the order of metallic character is
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Metallic Character
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Considering the periodic trend of metallic character, which of the following elements is the most reactive metal?
A
Al
B
K
C
Na
D
Mg
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that metallic character refers to how readily an element loses electrons to form positive ions, which is closely related to its reactivity as a metal.
Recall the periodic trend: metallic character increases as you move down a group (column) in the periodic table and decreases as you move from left to right across a period (row).
Identify the positions of the given elements: K (potassium) and Na (sodium) are in Group 1 (alkali metals), Mg (magnesium) is in Group 2, and Al (aluminum) is in Group 13.
Since Group 1 elements are more metallic and reactive than Group 2 and Group 13 elements, focus on K and Na, which are both alkali metals.
Between K and Na, potassium (K) is lower in the periodic table (period 4) compared to sodium (Na) (period 3), so K has a higher metallic character and is more reactive.
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