Question

By considering their position in the periodic table, which one of the following elements would you expect to have maximum metallic characteristic?
Ga, Ge, As, Se, Be

Answer 1

Hint: Metallic character of the element depends on its specific location in the periodic table. There is a definite trend of the metallic character in the periodic table except for a few exceptions. So, by comparing those trends we can look out for the metallic character of the given element.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
so, first of all we will look for the definition or meaning of the metallic character.
So, by metallic character we basically refer to the tendency of the element to lose electrons from its outermost valence shell. The more easily the electrons are removed from the outermost valence shell of the element, the more metallic it is or the more metallic character it possesses and vice – versa.
So, now we will look for the metallic character of the given elements: Ga , Ge, As, Se, Be
Ga- Gallium belongs to $ {13^{th}} $ group and $ {2^{nd}} $ row
Ge – Germanium belongs to $ {14^{th}} $ group and $ {2^{nd}} $ row
As- Arsenic belongs to $ {15^{th}} $ group and $ {2^{nd}} $ row
Se- Selenium belongs to $ {16^{th}} $ group and $ {2^{nd}} $ row
Be – Beryllium belongs to the $ {2^{nd}} $ group and $ {2^{nd}} $ row.
So, here comparison arises basically between be and Ga, but due to larger atomic size Ga- gallium is more metallic in nature.
Thus, the correct answer is out of Ga , Ge, As, Se, Be- gallium has the most metallic character.

Note:
Let’s look at the trend of the metallic character in the periodic table, so when we move from left to right in the periodic table, the metallic character decreases due to decrease in size of the element. And when we move down the group, the metallic character increases due to increase in size of the element.