Question 19.1: Using the Periodic Table to Predict Metallic Character Use t......
Using the Periodic Table to Predict Metallic Character
Use the periodic table to predict which element in each of the following pairs has more metallic character:
(a) Ga or As (b) P or Bi (c) Sb or S (d) Sn or Ba
STRATEGY
Because metallic character increases from right to left and from top to bottom in the periodic table, look to see which of the pair of elements lies farther toward the lower left of the table.
(a) Ga and As are in the same row of the periodic table, but Ga (group 3A) lies to the left of As (group 5A). Therefore, Ga is more metallic.
(b) Bi lies below P in group 5A and is therefore more metallic.
(c) Sb (group 5A) has more metallic character because it lies below and to the left of S (group 6A).
(d) Ba (group 2A) is more metallic because it lies below and to the left of Sn (group 4A).