Question

Arrange Si, Be, Mg, Na, and P in the increasing order of metallic character:
a.) P< Be< Si< Mg< Na
b.) P< Si< Be< Mg< Na
c.) Si< P< Mg< Na< Be
d.) Na< Mg< Be< Si< P

Answer 1

Hint: You can recall the positions of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids in the periodic table and then arrange these metals given in the question according to their metallic character. Also, remember metallic character decreases from left to right in a period and increases down the group.

Complete step by step answer:

First, we will look at the properties of metal, metalloid, and nonmetal -
Metal - In chemistry, a metal is an element that readily forms positive ions (cations) and has metallic bonds.
Metalloid - A metalloid is a type of chemical element which has properties in between, or that are a mixture of, those of metals and nonmetals.
Nonmetal - Nonmetal is a chemical element that mostly lacks the characteristics of a metal. These are present on the right-hand side in the periodic table. Elements that come under nonmetals are sulfur, carbon, all halogens, phosphorus, hydrogen, oxygen, selenium, nitrogen, and noble gases.
Metallic character increases down a group and decreases along a period as we move from left to right.
Na is from the first group hence it is most metallic.
Mg is from the second group, so it will be less metallic than Na.
Be is also from the second group but it comes above Mg hence less metallic character than Mg.
Si is a metalloid and it is from the fourth group.
P is a nonmetal and it is from the fifth group, which is the right side of the periodic table. Hence, makes it least metallic.
Hence, we can say that the order of increasing metallic character is, P< Si< Be< Mg< Na

Therefore, the correct answer to this question is option B.

Note: You should also know some of the important properties of Metals -
All the metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Ductility is the ability of the material to be stretched into a wire. This ability allows metals to be drawn into wires and coupled with their durability, find applications as cable wires, and for soldering purposes.
Malleability is the property of substances which allows them to be beaten into flat sheets. Aluminum sheets are used in the manufacturing of Aircraft because of their lightweight and strength.
Metals are sonorous because it produces a deep or ringing sound when struck with another hard object.