Question

Give reason. “ Metals are regarded as electropositive elements”.

Answer 1

Hint: The electropositive character of an element depends upon numerous factors like the distance between the nucleus, and the valence shell, and the metallic character of the element. We can look at the position of metals in the periodic table, and can determine the exact reason behind the electropositive character.

Complete step by step answer:
> First, let us know about the electropositive elements. The elements having tendency to lose electrons, and lead to the formation of a positively charged ion are categorised under the electropositive elements.
> In the periodic table, we know that across a period electronegativity increases, then the electropositive character decreases, as it is considered the opposite of electronegativity, and electropositive character increases down the group.
- Let us consider the sodium chloride to explain the property of forming ionic compounds.
- Sodium easily loses an electron to attain a stable configuration, whereas chlorine accepts an electron to have a stable octet. So, they form an ionic bond with each other.
- We can say that the elements present on the bottom- left in the periodic table are highly electropositive. Thus, alkali metals are the most electropositive elements.
- Alkali metals like Na, K, Mg, and Cs readily donate, or lose electrons to form an ionic bond, or attain a stable configuration.
- In the end we can conclude that metals are regarded as electropositive elements.

Note: Don’t get confused with the term electro-positivity, and electronegativity. As we already discussed electro-positivity, let us know about electronegativity. It is a tendency to accept electrons, mainly non- metals exhibit this character.