Write down the electronic configuration of the following elements from the given atomic numbers. Answer the following question with explanation.
13A1, 14Si, 11Na, 12Mg, 16S
Which of the above elements has the highest metallic character?
Answer:
Electronic configuration:
⇒ The atomic number of aluminum = 13
The electronic configuration of 13Al = 2,8,3
⇒ The atomic number of silicon = 14
The electronic configuration of 14Si = 2,8,4
⇒ The atomic number of sodium = 11
The electronic configuration of 11Na = 2,8,1
⇒ The atomic number of magnesium = 12
The electronic configuration of 12Mg = 2,8,2
⇒ The atomic number of sulphur = 16
The electronic configuration of 16S = 2,8,6
Among the given elements, Na has highest metallic character (most electropositive element)
Explanation:
All the given elements have total three shells present in them which means all the elements belong to the same period (period 3).
⇒ The metallic character decreases as we move from sodium to sulphur in a period.
⇒ Hence, Na has the high tendency to loose electrons.
⇒ Thus, sodium (Na) has the highest metallic character.
Note: More easily an element loses electrons, higher will be its metallic character (electropositive character)
