Question

Consider the elements of the carbon family: C, Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb. What is the trend in metalliccharacter as one goes down a group in the periodic table? What is the trend in metallic character going from left to right across a period in the periodic table?

Short answer

If you go down, there is an increase in metallic character due to the less attraction from nucleus. If it goes across a period, there is a decrease in metallic character because of more nuclear attraction.

Step-by-step solution

Characteristic physical properties of metals

The metals have the physical properties like electricity and heat conduction, ductility, malleability and other appearance of lustrous. There is a loss of electrons for the formation of positive ions by metals.

Trend in metallic character as one goes down a group in the periodic table

If you go down, there is an increase in metallic character due to the less attraction from nucleus.

  Trend in metallic character going from left to right across a period in the periodic table

If it goes across a period, there is a decrease in metallic character because of more nuclear attraction.

Metal and Non-metal element

There is an increase in metallic character from top. Non-metal is carbon (C). Metalloids are Silicon and Germanium. Metals are Lead and tin. C is non-metal and Li is metal in second period.