Question

The electronic configuration of elements $X,Y,Z$ and $\mathrm{J}$ are given below. Which element has the highest metallic character? (1) $\mathrm{X}=2,8,4$ (2) $\mathrm{Y}=2,8,8$ (3) $Z=2,8,8,1$ (4) $\mathrm{J}=2,8,8,7$

Short answer

Element Z with configuration $\text{2, 8, 8, 1}$.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Metallic Character

Metallic character refers to how readily an atom can lose an electron to form a positive ion. Elements with higher metallic character are located towards the left and bottom of the periodic table and have fewer electrons in their outermost shell.

Analyze Electronic Configurations

Examine the given electronic configurations to determine the number of electrons in the outermost shell (valence electrons) of each element: - $\text{X}=2,8,4$- $\text{Y}=2,8,8$- $\text{Z}=2,8,8,1$- $\text{J}=2,8,8,7$

Determine Valence Electrons

Count the valence electrons for each element based on their electronic configuration: - $\text{X}\text{ has }4\text{ valence electrons}$- $\text{Y}\text{ has }8\text{ valence electrons}$- $\text{Z}\text{ has }1\text{ valence electron}$- $\text{J}\text{ has }7\text{ valence electrons}$

Determine Metallic Character

An element with fewer valence electrons will have a higher metallic character because it can easily lose those electrons. Hence, among the given elements, compare the number of valence electrons.

Identify the Element with Highest Metallic Character

Element $\text{Z}$ has only 1 valence electron, making it easier to lose this electron and therefore it has the highest metallic character.

Key concepts

Valence Electrons

Understanding valence electrons is essential in determining an element's chemical behavior. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial in forming chemical bonds. For example:
- In the electronic configuration $2,8,4$, the element has 4 valence electrons.
- In the configuration $2,8,8,1$, it has 1 valence electron.
This outermost electron number greatly influences how easily the atom can lose or gain electrons. Elements with fewer valence electrons generally lose them more readily, exhibiting higher metallic character.

Electronic Configuration

Electronic configuration represents the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It's written as a series of numbers showing electrons in each shell. For example:
- $2,8,4$ means 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, and 4 in the third.
- $2,8,8,1$ indicates a fourth shell with 1 electron.
Understanding electronic configurations helps identify how atoms behave chemically and physically. It shows the number of valence electrons, which is crucial for predicting an element's reactivity and properties.

Periodic Table Trends

The periodic table is organized to reflect periodic trends in elements' properties. Key trends include:
- **Metallic Character**: Decreases from left to right across a period and increases from top to bottom in a group.
- **Valence Electrons**: Typically increase from left to right across a period.
For example, in our given elements:
- $2,8,4$: Mid-period, moderate metallic character.
- $2,8,8,1$: End of a period, high metallic character.
Elements with higher metallic character are typically found towards the bottom left of the periodic table, where they can easily lose electrons, as seen with element Z having 1 valence electron.